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THE 



NAVAL MONUMENT, 

CONTAINING 

OFFICIAL AND OTHER ACCOUNTS 

OF ALL THE BATTLES FOUGHT BETWEEN 

THE NAVIES 

or THE 

UNITED STATES AND GREAT BRITAIN 

DURING THE LATE WAR ; 

AND AN 

ACCOUNT OF THE WAR WITH ALGIERS, 

WITH 

TWENTY-FIVE ENGRAVINGS. 

TO WHICH IS ANNEXED 

A NAVAL REGISTER OF THE UNITED STATES. 



BOSTON : 
PUBLISHED BY GEORGE CLARK, 

1830. 



t_3G0 



District of Massachusetts, to wit: 

District Clerk's Office. 

BE it remembered, that on the twelfth day of March, A. D. 1816, and in 
the fortieth year of the Independence of the United States of America, 
ABEL BOWEN, of the said district, has deposited in this Office the title of 
a book, the right whereof he claims as proprietor, in the words following, 
to wit : 

"The JVaval Monument, containing Official and other accounts of all 
the battles fought between the Navies of the United States and Great 
Britain, during the late war ; and an account of the war with Algiers, 
with twenty-five Engravings. To which is annexed a Naval Register of 
the United States." 

In conformit" to an act of the Congress of the United States, entitled, 
"An Act for the encouragement of learning, by securing the copies of Maps, 
Charts, and Books, to the Authors and Proprietors of such copies, during 
the times therein mentioned : and also to an act entitled "An Act supple- 
mentary to An Act, entitled an act for the encouragement of learning, by 
securing the copies of Maps, Charts and Books, to the authors and pro- 
prietors of such copies during the times therein mentioned ; and extending 
the benefits thereof to the Arts of Designing, Engraving* and Etching 
Historical and other Prints." 

JNO. W. DAVIS, Clerk of the district of Massachusetts. 

*The Designs and Engravings in this volume were entered as the law 
directs, Nov. 25, and Dec. 28, 1815, by A. Bowen. 



I ' -&0S2/ 



J "J 



IOJTHER ROBY, PRINTER, Concord, N. H. 



TO 



THE OFFICERS 



OF 



THE UNITED STATES NAVY. 



WHO BY THEIR 



BRAVERY AND SKILL 
HAVE EXALTED THE AMERICAN CHARACTER, 



SECURED 

THE APPLAUSE OF THEIR COUNTRY, 

AND EXCITED THE 
ADMIRATION OF THE WORLD ; 

THIS VOLUME 

IS MOST RESPECTFULLY DEDICATED, 

BV THEIR 



MOST OB'T AND HUMBLE SERV'T 



r 



A. BOWEN 



PREFACE. 



That a country, but of yesterday among the nations, should 
already have acquired naval renown, and made the trident trem- 
ble in hands that had wielded it for ages, is now not least among 
the phenomena in the archives of history. Burke was astonish- 
ed at the growth which, in his time, had happened to this coun- 
try within the short period of the life of man. "Whatever Eng- 
land has been growing to by a progressive increase of improve- 
ment, brought in by varieties of people, by succession of civil- 
izing conquests and civilizing settlements in a series of seven- 
teen hundred years, you shall see as much added to her by Amer- 
ica in course of a single life." Thus he supposes the genius of 
Lord Bathurst to have addressed* that nobleman in his youth, 
foretelling only what, at the moment of uttering this fine imagin- 
ation, had become fact ; and yet to have left his Lordship alto- 
gether incredulous and in wonder. But what has not been the 
progress of this country since Burke's day, and still all within 
the compass of a single life ? America was then under the bonds 
of colonial subjection. Imagine, at the time he spoke, some 
sage equally illustrious had thus addressed the monarch of 
England. "Sire, these bonds she shall soon burst. You will 
struggle to impose others and to force her sons to your service. 
They will resist, with a spirit so desperate, and an enterprise so 
hardy, as shall, 'before you taste of death,' make your ships not 
safe at home, even within your own immediate waters. Your 
navy, the favorite of your kingdom, that you have been centuries 
creating, shall strike, once and again, in single ships and in 
squadron, on the ocean and the lakes, in the old world and the 
new ; to a navy, the outcast of its country, and the work ? of an 
hour. It will indeed be simply an upstart from its cradle, but 
you will find it a Hercules there." Had the sovereign then 
been thus prophetically "rapt into times" but little "futuie," 

* The beginning of this address we supply for the gratification of what 
we consider laudable, a proper national pride. "Young man, there is 
America — which at this day serves for little more than to amuse you with 
stories of savage men, and uncouth manners ; yet shall, before you taste 
of death, shew itself equal to the whole of that commerce, which nov 
attracts the envy of the world." 



* 1 PREFACE, 

father than live to behold them, would he not gladly have resign- 
ed at once his crown and life ? 

Naval history has a charm on the attention of the ardent, from 
being peculiarly the record of enthusiasm. Every naval man of 
spirit is an enthusiast. We read of "the self devoted Decii." 
Among naval men self devotion is so common, that an act, 
evincing this virtue merely, is passed almost without notice. It 
is looked upon as but duty, and therefore no object for praise. 
They devote themselves to their country and to their command- 
er, with whom in their minds, indeed, the country is often iden- 
tified. This spirit pervades not merely officers, but the men. 
Instances from British history are familiar ; and the one from 
our own, of the sailor who interposed himself between the up- 
lifted scymitar and Decatur, in the first Tripolitan war, and re- 
ceived the blow in its fall, of which he still lingers the living 
monument, is, we trust, indelibly rivetted in the memory of a 
grateful country, who probably owe to this one act of heroism all 
the benefit of the subsequent, signal services of this gallant 
captain. Here is disinterestedness that was perfectly pure, un- 
adulterated even by the love of fame. What cared this mariner 
for fame ? His name scarcely is known ; and how soon it is 
every where forgotten, he heeds not. Nay, when all was over, 
had he not borne upon his body the marks of an act, which sub- 
jected him to the teasing of questions as to its cause, home this 
sailor had probably gone, and, like Sampson of old, "told neith- 
er father nor mother of it." This utter extinction of selfish- 
ness, is it not sublime ? The fear of death, according to John- 
son "natural to all," is, in this class of men, not merely com- 
pletely overcome. Death is courted by them as glory, or sought 
from friendship. Is it owing to the progress of Christianity 
gradually and insensibly improving and elevating the mass of 
mankind, that the virtues of our ordinary seamen have become 
thus exalted ? What a reform have men's ideas not undergone 
in the lapse of a few years ? Chivalry of character has shifted 
its element. The world now looks for "men of honour," and 
for "cavaliers," not where it looked formerly. To the ocean, 
which was of late inseparably associated with every thing bois- 
terous and rough ; the traversers of which were thought to par- 
ticipate only in the nature of the storms that occasionally deso- 
late its surface ; to this ocean are the eyes of mankind now uni- 
versally directed for all that is valorous and gallant in war, and 
for much of the virtue, thought peculiar to peace. The habili- 
ments of the knight are changed ; and the plainness, that most 
ennobles, has got to be (such are the caprices of fashion) the 
common, everyday dress of the mariner. 

The dawn of the American navy was ominous of a glorious 
day. Not to mention the other exertions at sea in the war of the 



PREFACE. \ 1 1 

revolution,* which were all respectable, and, hut for an eclipse 
from greater brightness, would have remained brilliant ; the ex- 
ploits of Paul Jones alone excited an eclat that ensured the whole 
extent of success, which has to this day followed. Truxton and 
the Constellalibn flashed next on the public eye. The scene of 
naval operations soon shifted to Tripoli. Here Preble was the 
father of a spirit that now reflects its radiance alike on his mem- 
ory and country. The warfare was most active. It evinced en- 
terprize the most ardent, and boldness the most daring. In these 
seas, nearly all the mariners, who have since been eminently 
distinguished, received their first rudiments of discipline and 
lessons of danger. The city thrice bombarded ; the only frig- 
ate the Turks took, and that from her accidentally grounding, 
fired at the very mouths of their loaded batteries ; the infidels 
chastised into peace ; self devotion animating our whole fleet as 
one band ; in the back ground of the picture, Somers, Israel, 
Wadsworth, kindling their own funeral pyre, and mounting in a 
blaze to the mansions of light ; these were among the objects 
which then attracted the attention of the world, and forced its 
admiration. 

We have just passed the close of a three years' war. The 
causes of that war out of the question, the interrogatory is put 
to the politician, to him who realizes that in the family of nations 
no one member has respect from another, but for its power ; to 
him the point is pressed home ; is not the effect of this war, in 
the impression produced the world over from the lustre of our 
arms, cheaply bought by all the blood and the treasure that the 
conflict has cost ? Is not our flag now looked up to, as an object 
of triumph, under every heaven ? Is not our navy covered with 
renown ? 

A good mind is ever grateful for peace. Justice to the merits 
that have achieved it, is to such a mind among the first of its du- 
ties. Has this renown then been justly acquired ? 

What are the constituents of naval excellence ? Bravery, 
discipline, military and nautical skill. In each of these respects 

* To show the notice Barney then gained, and the favour shown by 
fair royalty to the American cause, we add as a curiosity, what we do not 
vouch for as fact. "A correspondent of the morning Chronicle, who sign- 
ed 'Jean Francis,' affirms, that the musical bagatelle, culled, -Barney,, 
leave the girls alone,' owes its origin to the kiss publicly bestowed on this 
American officer by the beautiful Marie Antoniettc, and was composed bv 
Count O'L. of the Irish brigade, who was present at court when the royal 
familiarity took place ; and he stated, that the maids of honour were all 
so eager to follow the gracious example set by the lovely queen, that. 
Mr. Barney became an object of envy and dislike to the entire beau monde. 
The American papers speak favourably of his conduct on the surprize of 
Washington, and affirm, that of the seamen he commanded, one half were 
killed and wounded; he was himself badly wounded and taken prisoner." 

Brit. JVav. Chron. 1814. 



>► 1 1 1 PREFACE. 

what are (he positive merits, and what the comparative, of the 
American navy ? 

It is not intended to pursue the answer through details of any 
great minuteness. It will be rested on the authority principally 
of this single volume, the references to which will, for the most 
part, be general. 

Bravery may be shewn either in enterprize or in actual en- 
gagement ; as well in the pursuit, as the improvement, of oppor- 
tunity ; in defeat not less, than in victory. 

Bravery of enterprize certainly belongs in common to all of 
our captains, the oldest at their head, who bearded the lion in his 
den. They have even been blamed for excess in this particular, 
and- the right of challenge has been absurdly questioned, as if in 
a strife of mere glory, and to settle the point as to power, it was 
not highly commendable to seek the opportunity indispensable 
for the purpose, but which yet happened not to fall in one's way. 
The challenge given by the Hornet ; and that taken (for sailing 
across the harbour was clearly in substance a challenge) by the 
luckless Chesapeake, under circumstances of obvious disadvant- 
age, before the sailors could have lost the effect of land habits, 
or have regained their sea legs, are among the countless proofs 
of an aspiring spirit, steadily intent on one object, namely, nev- 
er at least to be condemned as failing from not having dared to 
attempt. 

Where is the instance in which Americans have not evinced 
bravery in battle ? The fatal engagement of the Chesapeake, 
even after the boarding, is not, in fairness, an exception. Not 
an officer was now left upon deck. Who are the men, in any 
navy, that will continue valiant, deprived of the countenance and 
support of every officer ? Of the fights between single vessels, 
that of the Wasp and the Frolic is perhaps far the most distin- 
guished for personal intrepidity. But we had battles in squad- 
ron. Who ever showed more courage than Perry, passing in 
open boat from ship to ship, within full view and point blank shot 
of a multiplied foe, each of whose ships was intent on taking his 
single life, as the object to make victory sure ; or than this same 
eommander, breaking the enemy's line, thus doubling his own 
force, exposing himself of course to shots from each side, to dou- 
ble broadsides at once, and at half pistol shot distance ? Who 
ever evinced greater constancy than Macdonough, awaiting at 
anchor the approach of an enemy in unknown numbers, by land 
and water, two states, if not the whole country, in suspense for 
safety on the issue ; or who more glorious collectedness than 
this same commander in like danger with Paul Jones, his own 
vessel twice on fire? What perseverance was evermore inde- 
fatigable than Chauncey's, in pursuit? Unless indeed that of 
his adversary, in patience. An adversary only not beaten, be-. 



PREFACE. IX 

cause impossible to be made to fight ; and he the sole British 
commander on his return from the Lakes able to say even that !* 

Who can read the official accounts within this volume, and fail 
to perceive, that in display of bravery victory has been outdone 
by defeat? To omit the other instances, and many and striking 
there are, the sanguinary glories, preceding the surrender of the 
Essex, are abundantly sufficient of themselves to settle this ques- 
tion. 

The details that have brought the discipline of our navy to its 
present high degree of perfectness, it is, for obvious reasons, not 
expedient to expose. The captians of our national ships have, 
all of them, the character of rigid disciplinarians. The navy has 
grown by the nation's neglect of it ; and discipline is the prin- 
ciple that accounts for this growth. It is evinced by simultane- 
ousness of movement among numbers, after one action in pre- 
paring for another, and indeed on all the diversified occasions, 
to which the service gives rise, precluding by their variety any 
attempt to particularize them, but of which this whole book is a 
proof. Yet injustice to him, whose name is the associate only 
of victory, whose head now rests heaven only knows where, it 
should be universally understood, that to Blakeley, while living 
was given the credit of having disciplined the men of the En- 
terprise, that vessel being commanded by him a few weeks only 
before its battle with the Boxer. 

Who in the world doubts the positive merit of the navy of this 
country as to military skill ? Who has not been told of the al- 
most wonderful exactness of American gunnery ? It is not the 
number of our naval engagements or the extent of their suc- 
cess, the fleets they have taken or the host of single vessels de- 
stroyed or brought in ; it is the brilliant celerity of their elec- 
tric execution, that attests this fact. 

Nautical skill extends to the navigation of the vessel, to the 
various manouverings for escape and for battle, and in fine to 
all those points of which professional men are proud, as constitu- 
ting seamanship. To the style of our general navigation, not 
only has no exception been suggested, but the number of our ves- 
sels that have gone out and returned, considering the vastly 
greater number despatched in pursuit, is a circumstance not far 
from conclusive to shew, that this style is of the highest possible 
order. The trophied ship Macedonian, navigated to her new 
home from such a distance, and similar trophies alike secured 
since, are among the proofs of our mastery of mere navigation. 

*Thisis not meant to disparage Yeo, I know this Fabius had been also 
Marcellus ; that he could dash, as well as delay. Had not his reputation 
for the former been well established, would he have dared, for three years, 
attempt the latter ? 

2 



i PREFACE. 

For skill in escape, take the Constitution, chased three days and 
three nights bv a line-of-battle ship, four frigates, a brig and a 
schooner, and getting off by kedging : The Jlrgus evading a 
squadron of six sail, at one time within musket shot of a 74, at 
another surrounded : The Hornet, clearing a ship of the line af- 
ter a chase of forty-two hours : and lastly remember the hue and 
cry throughout Europe, and the power of the United Kingdom 
all in requisition, to take the little Essex! For nautical skill in 
battle, take the Hornet sinking the Peacock in fifteen minutes, and 
the Constitution, engaged at once with the Cyane and Levant, suc- 
cessfully avoiding a raking fire from either. This feature is 
common to all our battles. The most prominent, and few only of 
these, are selected. Perry, breaking the line and placing the 
Niagara between two of the enemy's ships ; Macdonough, fight- 
ing the guns on one side, till all there were dismounted ; then 
suddenly winding a fresh broadside to the foe ; and lastly, Law- 
rence carrying the Chesapeake into action. Last, as not least. 
" See how that noble fellow, Collingwood, carries his ship into 
action," was the exclamation of Nelson at the battle ef Trafal- 
gar, absorbed as he was, in his own fate and duty. It is a cir- 
cumstance on which sea captains place great pride. Nor is it a 
mere point of honour ; the advantage it gains, is often effectual 
to fix the fate of the conflict. The officers of the navy will to a 
man agree, that James Lawrence was the perfect sailor. That 
Hornet how admirably he managed ! The Chesapeake he led in- 
to battle, within half pistol shot distance, not firing till he could 
pour in a whole broadside at once, in such gallant style, with such 
tremendous execution, gaining at the outset so decided an advan- 
tage, and chiefly from superior seamanship : that eminent na- 
val men have pronounced, at the time this vessel fell on board 
her adversary, that the Shannon was a whipt ship, and had p sin- 
gle commissioned officer been then remaining on deck to have 
extricated our frigate from her momentary difficulty, this fact 
would have been made to appear. 

Now compare for a moment the American navy with the Brit- 
ish. With the British, because the enemy navy ; and because, 
our own excepted, all must agree this to be the standard. 

What advantages have not the British in the antiquity of their 
naval establishments ? What facilities for naval education ; 
what extent of employment to reward extensive competition ; 
what excitement to emulation from the indefinite height to which 
promotion may be carried, and from the greater munificence 
which attends it at every step? With all thti-c advantages 
against them, what wonder, even had the American navy suffer- 
ed in comparison? 



PREFACE. Xi 

But let them be judged from effect. For numbers, the respec- 
tive navies are objects not of comparison, but contrast. So in- 
deed are their respective captures and victories, but the order 
is inverted. Of these the navy of less numbers has more, that 
of greater numbers less. Mathematically may it not be said, 
that the proportion of the comparitive captures of the two na- 
vies, is inversely as the proportion of their comparitive num- 
bers. 

Had neither navy figured except in tiiis war, to which, pray, 
would impartial people, not of either nation, now look up as tho 
standard ? 

In bravery these navies are equal ; in discipline, ours certain- 
ly not the inferior ; in nauticul skill, if you please, equal ; but 
in military skill, gunnery particularly, should not the Americans 
have their claim allowed to a very decided superiority? - 

This runs through all of their battles, on the ocean and lakes. 
One fact goes far to settle the question. It rests on fair and un- 
disputed authority ; the British official account of the fight of 
the Shannon and Chesapeake, and the American of the several 
fights about to be mentioned. Each party tells hi3 own story 
and is taken at his word. The fact referred to is this. The 
British lost in killed on board the Shannon one man more than 
the Americans lost in the battles of the Constitution with the 
Guerriere, of the same vessel with the Java, of the United States 
with the Macedonian, of the Hornet with the Peacock, all combin- 
ed ; more in one battle, than we lost in four. 

In our comments on particular battles, it should be remember- 
ed, that, from the nature of the service, previous plan is of very 
little use. The naval eye is of more importance, than the mil- 
itary. Over and above all the circumstances that occur on land 
to thwart the calculations of a commander, at sea is the nature 
of the element. Time and tide wait for none. All plan is here 
at the mercy of the winds and waves. Nelson, aware of this, 
writes to his captains before the battle of Trafalgar, that, " if by 
the prescribed mode ©i attack, they found it impracticable to get 
into action immediately, they might adopt whatever they thought 
best, provided it led them quickly and closely along side an en- 
emy." Again. " No captain can do wrong, if he places hi? 
ship along side that of an enemy." Take this test for the battle of 
Erie, and for that of Champlain. In the former the lightness of 
the winds prevented all the vessels getting into action immediate- 
ly. To close was the Commodoie's object, such injuiy was the 
Laivrcnce sustaining from the enemy's long guns. This vessel 
soon closed. The Niagara was brought into close action next, 
and soon after all the rest of the fleet. On lake Champlain all 
were in close action at once. A further reason for the differ- 



XII PREFACE. 

ence, than that already suggested, is, that hcra our fleet were at 
anchor, and the British could -take their own distance. There 
the American commodore had to sail in pursuit of them out up- 
on the lake, and to take, of course, only just such battle, as they 
saw fit to give. The battle of Erie has this of resemblance to 
that of Trafalgar ; it was fought with wide sea room by fleets 
under sail ; Perry, like Nelson, broke the line. In the battle of 
Champlain, as in that of the Nile, all the ships on one side were 
at anchor. But the result, happily for us, was reversed. Those 
at anchor were, in this instance, the victors. Nelson at the Nile 
was the assailant. Macdonough at Champlain was on the de- 
fensive. An assault excites hope ; there is something to be 
gained. Defence is apt to infuse fear ; here is something simply 
to prevent being lost. The former may be carried by courage, 
by sail}' 1 , something violent, but transient. The latter must be 
secured by firmness, constancy, what is of more permanent na- 
ture, and therefore more rare, Macdonough's winding ship in the 
heat of the action required as much collectedness as breaking 
the line, and was equally decisive of the fate of the day. Per- 
ry's victory had a completeness, perhaps without parallel in na- 
val annals. He captured the whole. At the Nile two ships of 
the line and two frigates escaped and four French ships at Tra- 
falgar. In Macdonough's battle as compared with its rival, the 
odds against him were greater, especially if the enemy is to be 
presumed to have come better prepared from the notice given 
him at Erie about a year previous ; the consequences, that 
would have followed defeat, were here more important ; and 
though the victory was less complete as to the number of the 
captures, yet it was much more so than the victory of Trafalgar, 
where the error was the British not anchoring sufficiently early ; 
an error that had been shunned, had Nelson's last words been re- 
garded. Our two battles were indeed on a far less scale than 
those of the British. But this effects neither side the compari- 
son, as between us and our adversaries. Yet far as our preten- 
sions are concerned in likening the Americans as victors on 
these recent occasions, to Britons as victors on occasions more 
distant ; is there, in truth, nothing to make up for this difference 
of scale ? Against whom were fought the battles of the Nile 
and Trafalgar? Against Frenchmen, and against Spaniards 
and Frenchmen. They were fought "on that element on which," 
we have Soulhey's word for it, the biographer of Nelson, " when 
the hour of trial comes, a Frenchman has no hope." But our 
battles were both fought against Englishmen, the conquer- 
ors of Spaniards and of Frenchmen ; and " on that element," 
where " when the hour of trial comes," they have always been 



PREFACE. XIII 

represented, as abounding in " hope," and even exulting in cer- 
tainty. 

Two other points remain to be noticed, that do not enter tech- 
nically into naval character as essential to its nature, but yet are 
important incidents, without which a navy would almost cease to 
excite pride. One of these points has for its object the mind, 
the other the heart, of the community. Our naval accounts, are 
they not all modestly written? No boast ; no gasconade ; no- 
thing deficient ; nothing redundant. Some thing has been said 
about Porter. But much of prolixity is to be indulged to defeat. 
It puts a man on his defence and every one is then to be heard 
fully and at large. Fastidiousness has fastened on Perry's 
" We have met, and they are ours," as indicating too great cel- 
erity. But the " came saw and conquered " of Caesar, is sub- 
ject to the same exception, and yet was never found fault with, 
as failing in modesty. Naval history furnishes similar instances. 
Nelson's fine signal scarcely surpasses the last famed signal of 
Lawrence. " Don't give up the ship " is quite as comprehen- 
sive and equally modest with " England expects every man to do 
his duty." 

Humanity is the point by which it was thought the naval men 
of the country would have been endeared to the affections of a 
moral and religious people. It is the point that " makes ambi- 
tion virtue." It can constitute indeed no part of glory ; but the 
want of it would cover any one of our sailors with shame. The 
American navy is not the inferior in moral character." Which 
of numerous battles has not been prominently marked by this 
benignant feature? Lawrence, in the Hornet losing more men 
in saving, than in conquering the enemy, is an instance scarcely 
the most striking. The shores of Champlain and of Erie attest 
our humanity. The Irish poured forth their gratitude in public 
to Allen of the Argus. Nelson prayed that the victory of Tra- 
falgar might be distinguished for humanity; and " setting an ex- 
ample himself," says Southey, gave order* to cease firing on the 
Redoubtable, thinking she had struck. Blakeley, engaged at 
night with an unknown foe, ceased firing, and hailed to know, 
had the enemy surrendered. A recommencement of her fire 
was the answer received. This returned ; soon was renewed 
the hail for information. Amiable man! To this first fruitless 
hail, you perhaps owe the very wound, since so fatal to your ves- 
sel and life! The flag your shroud, your ship a coffin, the ocean 
your grave. " Reindeer " and " Avon" constitute the epi- 
taph ; your m3mory is immortal! 

No encouragements should ever be withheld from a navy on 
account of the pretended nature of the war in which it is engag- 
ed. Nelson at Copenhagen was brave as at Trafalgar, and he 



XIV TRKFACE. 

was rewarded as much. The question as to the cause of the 
war, must, of necessity and forever, be left to the sovereignty of 
the country for settlement. War once declared, the ordinary 
struggles between party and party should give way to the extra- 
ordinary state of things the declaration produces. The question 
is now no longer between citizen and citizen, but between the 
country and the enemy, native and foreigner. "At least," says 
admiral Blake, "let us keep foreigners from fooling us." 

The war found us with captains and has given us admirals ; 
with frigates and has given us ships of the line. Yet to what 
purpose all this, but to make us proud ? Pray heaven, it have 
this effect ! Give elevation to feeling ; you impart purity to 
character. National pride may introduce national honesty ; and 
from the marine part of the community, the mercantile may at 
length be reformed. 

But is it now asked, of what value is a navy ? You owe to it 
your peace. Able as were your negotiations upon paper, and 
abler never were published, to the negotiations on lake Cham- 
plain and not to the others, your peace is known to be due.* 

Yet this is not all the good your navy has achieved. Peace 
with Britain has been followed by an expedition to Algiers and 
its vicinity. Here Preble had done before with his limited fleet 
more than Blake "with his thirty capital ships." The barbari- 
ans now bend again beneath the blows of Decatur. A treaty is 
obtained of so great favor to us as to have been unheard of in 
the world before. Peace, naval men have been instrumental in 
obtaining from Britain. Peace, they have wrested from Algiers ; 
and what is more, our sons, and the sons of other countries, 
have these men restored from captivity and slavery. It is poe- 
try, but not fiction, 

"That those '.oho suffer bravely, save mankind." 

♦This is said without derogation from Jackson, the success of whoso 
masterly diplomatics at New Orleans was not known in Europe at the time 
the treaty was concluded. 



/ 

ADVERTISEMENT. 



In making this selection the editor has endeavoured to obtain 
the most correct and authentic accounts. He cannot however 
promise himself, that every part of it is perfectly accurate ; but 
he believes that no material error has escaped him. The diffi- 
culties of observing exact chronological order in a work like this 
need not be mentioned, as they will readily occur to the reader. 
Perhaps some instances of skill and valour have been overlook- 
ed, and others given too much at length. The official accounts 
of the battles represented in the plates, are given entire. In 
many other instances, official letters are curtailed. To have 
printed them at large would have increased the work beyond the 
limits prescribed. This is offered as an apology for omitting 
what otherwise would gladly have been inserted Many of the 
periodical publications of the last four years have been examin- 
ed, but the compiler is particularly, and almost exclusively in- 
debted to the able and indefatigable Mr. Niles, publisher of the 
Baltimore Weekly Register, a paper in which may be found a full 
and interesting naval and military history of the late wars against 
Great Britain and Algiers. The pages of this work might have 
been enriched with extracts from the Analectic Magazine and 
Naval Chronicle ; but this is rendered unnecessary by the ex- 
tensive circulation of that eloquent and excellent work. Who- 
ever wishes to be instructed or delighted on the subject of the 
American navy, may have his curiosity fully gratified by a peru- 
sal of those publications. 

The editor cannot but indulge the hope, that he has fulfilled 
the engagements made in the prospectus, and equalled the ex- 
pectations of subscribers. Should he meet the approbation of 
the public, he intends to publish a military history of the war, on 
a similar plan, entitled the Military Chronicle. 

Most of the engravings, which accompany this volume, are 
from the designs of Mr. Corne. The frontispiece was designed 
by Mr. Penniman. The plate, which exhibits the return of the 
squadron from the Mediterranean, is from a design of Mr. Fan- 
ning, and was taken from actual survey on board the Indepen- 
dence. 

For the preface the editor is indebted to the kindness of a lit- 
erary gentleman, who has furnished to our periodical publications, 
many interesting articles on the subject of the navy. A. B. 



INDEX TO THE ENGRAVINGS. 

Frontispiece, facing the title - 

Constitution's escape from a British squadron 

Constitution bearing down for the Guerriere 

Constitution in close action with the Guerriere - 

Wasp boarding the Frolic - 

United States and Macedonian - - - - 

The Java surrendering to the Constitution 

Hornet blockading the Bonne Citoyenne 

Hornet sinking the Peacock - 

Chesapeake and Shannon - 

Enterprize and Boxer - 
First view of Com. Perry's victory - 

Plan of the first view of the battle on Lake Erie 
Second view of Com. Perry's victory - 
Plan of the second view of the battle on Lake Erie 
Capture of the Essex - - „ 

Peaeock and Epervier - 

Wasp and Reindeer - 

Wasp and Avon - 

Com. Macdonough's victory - 
President engaging the Endymion - 

Constitution taking the Cyane and Levant 
Hornet and Penguin _____ 
Hornet's escape from a British 74 - 

United States squadron returning from the Mediterranean, 
after concluding peace with Algiers - 289 



NAVAL MONUMENT. 



The exploits of the American Navy in the late war be- 
tween the United States and Great Britain, commenced with 
the escape of the Frigate Constitution from an English 
squadron. 

On July 12th, the Constitution, completely equipped and 
well manned, left the Chesapeake, bound to New York. On 
the 16th saw a frigate and gave chase, with winds too light 
to reach her. On the 17th discovered the British squad- 
ron, consisting of the Jlfrica 64, and Guerriere, Shannon, 
Belvidera and JEolus, frigates, a brig and a schooner. The 
Belvidera within gun-shot. The 17th was calm and spent 
in towing, manoeuvering and firing. On the morning of 
the 18th a light breeze sprung up, when the Constitution 
spread all her canvas, and by outsailing the enemy, escaped 
a conflict, which she could not have maintained with amy 
hope of success, against a force so greatly superior. The 
chase was continued sixty hours, during which the whole 
crew remained at their stations. 

A gentleman, belonging to an American captured vessel, 
who was on board the Shannon, during the above period, 
informs us, that all the officers of the British squadron ap- 
plauded the conduct of Capt. Hull ; and though mortified 
at losing so fine a ship, gave him much credit for his skill 
and prudence in managing the frigate. 

A more particular account is detailed in the following 
extract from the Constitution's log book. 

EXTRACT FROM LOG BOOK. 

Friday, July 17, 1812. 

Commences with clear weather and fresh breezes from 
the northward and eastward. At \ past 1, P. M. sounded 
3 



NAVAL MONUMENT. 

in 22 fni's. water. At 2, four sail of vessels in sight. At 
,'}, sounded in 18^ fin's. At \ past 3, tacked to the east. 
At 4, a ship in sight, bearing N. E. standing down for us, 
and three ships and a brig N. N. W. on the starboard tack. 
From 4 to 6, light airs from the northward. At 6, the sin- 
gle ship bearing E. N. E. At \ past 6, got a light breeze 
from the southward and eastward, wore ship and stood to- 
wards the above sail, keeping her a little off the larboard 
bow. At \ past 7, beat to quarters and cleared ships for 
action. At 8, light airs ; — coming up with the ships very 
slow. At \ past 10, made the private signals of the day. 
At \ past 11, hauled down the signals, not having been an- 
swered, and made sail by the wind, with starboard tacks 
on board. From 12 to 4 A. M. light airs from the south- 
ward and westward and cloudy. At 4 A. M. the ship made 
a signal. At day-light, discovered three sail astern. At 5, 
discovered another sail astern, making two frigates off our 
lee-quarter, and two frigates and one ship of the line, one 
brig, and one schooner, astern. At \ past 5, it being calm 
and the ship having no steering way, hoisted out the first 
cutter and got the boats ahead to tow ship's head round to 
the southward, got a 24 pounder up off the gun-deck for a 
stern-gun, and the forecastle gun aft — cut away the taffarel 
to give them room, and run two guns out of the cabin 
windows. At 6, got the ship's head round to the south- 
ward and set top-gallant studding-sails and stay-sails, one 
of the frigates firing at us. At \ past 6, sounded in 26 fm's. 
water. At 7, got a kedge and warped the ship ahead. At 
\ past 7, hoisted the colours and fired one gun at the ship 
astern. At 8, calm ; — employed warping and towing the 
ship. The other ships having a light air gaining on us, 
with their boats ahead, and one of them using sAveeps. At 
9, the above ship in close chase of us, and the nearest frig- 
ate gaining on us. At 9 minutes part 9, a light breeze 
sprung up from the southward ; braced up by the wind on 
the larboard tack, when the above frigate commenced fir- 
ing, but her shot did not reach us : got the boats along 



NAVAL MONUMENT. 3 

side, run two of them up. At 10, started 2335 gallons of 
water and pumped it out — almost calm — manned the first 
cutter to tow ship ; — six sail of the enemy's ships off the 
starboard beam and quarter ; perceived that the nearest 
frigate had got all the boats from the other ships to tow her 
towards us. From 10, A. M. to meridian, employed warp- 
ing and towing. All sail made by the wind, one of the 
ships coining up, apparently having all the boats from the 
other ships. 

Saturday, July 18. 
Light airs from the southward and eastward, attended 
with calms. At | after meridian, sent the first cutter and 
green cutter ahead to tow ship. At \ before 1, P. M. a 
strange sail discovered two points abaft off the lee-beam, 
the four frigates one point off the starboard-quarter. Line- 
of-battle ship, brig and schooner, off the lee-beam. At 7 
minutes before 2, the chasing frigates commenced firing 
their bow chase guns, we returned them with our stern 
chasers. At | past 3, still chased by the above ships, one 
of them being nearly within gun-shot. At 7, observed the 
enemy's ships towing with their boats. Lowered down 
the first cutter, green cutter and gig, and sent them ahead 
to tow ship ; — light airs, inclinable to calms. At 8, light 
airs from the southward and eastward. The first and fifth 
cutters and gig ahead towing ship. The enemy's ships in 
the same position as at 7. From 8 to 9, light airs and 
cloudy. The enemy's ships still in chase of us ; boats 
ahead towing ship. At 7 minutes before 11, a breeze 
springing up from the southward ; boats came along side, 
hoisted up the gig and green cutter, and set the fore-top- 
mast staysail and main-top-gallant studding sail. At mid- 
night moderate breezes and cloudy, the enemy's ships still 
in chase. At 2, A. M. discovered one of the ships off the 
lee-beam. At k past 2, took in the studding sails, at day- 
light four frigates in sight, three off the lee-quarter and 
one off the lee-beam, from two to three miles distant. At 
4, six sail in sight from off the deck, hauled down the fore 



1 NAVAL MONUMENT. 

top-mast staysail ; — very light breezes. At 20 minutes past 
4, tacked ship to the eastward. At 5, passed about gun- 
shot distance to windward of one of the frigates ; hoisted 
in the first cutter ; — ten sail in sight from the mast-head. 
At 9, saw a ship to windward, supposed to be an American 
merchantman, standing towards us. The frigate astern 
hoisted American colours as a decoy ; we immediately 
hoisted English colours, got royal studding sails fitted. At 
11, A. M. took in sky-sails. At meridian, moderate breezes 
and pleasant weather, rather leaving the frigates in chase ; 
the head-mest frigate to leeward, bearing nearly N. by W. 
four or five miles distant, the nearest frigate W. N. W. di- 
rectly in our wake, distant about three and half miles. 
The line-of-battle ship, N. by W. \ W. on the larboard 
tack, hull down. Two frigates off our lee-quarter, N. N. 
W. i W. and N. W. by N. about five miles distant, and a 
brig bearing about N. by W. Observed, latitude 38 o 47/ 
N. which, with the soundings got at | past 10, A. M. and 
allowing for the distance since run, gives our long, about 
73 o 53/ W. from which we date our departure. 

July 19. 
Fresh breezes from the southward and pleasant. At 1 P. 
M. hauled down the royal staysails and set the middle stay- 
sail. At 2, got shifting backstays on the top-gallant mast, 
and set them well up, took in the gaft-topsail and mizen- 
top-gallant staysail. At \ past 2, set the mizen-top-gallant 
and main royal staysails and main sky sail. At 4, a moder- 
ate breeze from the S. S. W. and cloudy ; four sail of t*ie 
enemy still in chase, the nearest about six miles off, bearing 
N. N. W. and one off the weather quarter, W. by N. h N. 
At £ past 7, the leewardmost ship N. N. W. ^ W. and the 
weathermost ship, N. W. by f W. — the other two more 
astern, and hull down. At ipast 9, the wind hauled round 
to the southward and westward. At h 10 P. M. the wind 
backed round again. At 1 1, could just discover the weath- 
er-bow ship to have got in our wake. At midnight, moder- 
ate breezes and pleasant. From midnight to 4 A. M. mod- 



NAVAL MONUMENT. 5 

erate breezes. At h past 4, hauled up to S. E. by S. four 
sail in sight astern, all of them hull down. At $ past 6, 
more moderate ; — employed wetting the sails aloft. At 8, 
four ships still in sight chasing us. At \ past 8 A. M. all 
the ships in chase stood to the northward and eastward. 

CAPT. HULL'S OFFICIAL LETTER. 

Constitution at sea, off Nantucket, 
Sir, My 20, 1812. 

The Constitution is on her way to Boston for your or- 
ders, having been chased by a British squadron off New- 
York, and very near being taken. The chase continued 
♦three days and nights, by a line-of-battle ship, four frigates, 
a brig and a schooner. 

I shall call off Boston and write from there, and continue 
cruising in the bay until I hear from you. 

Respectfully, 
Hon. Paul Hamilton, ISAAC HULL. 

Sec'i/ of Navy. 
On Sunday, the 26th of July, the Constitution arrived 
in Boston harbour. On Tuesday the 28th, Capt. Hull came 
up to town. On his landing and reaching State Street, he 
was received by his fellow-citizens with repeated huzzas. 

[The following card was inserted, at the request of Capt. 
Hull, in the Exchange Coffee-house Books.] 

" Capt. Hull, finding his friends in Boston are correctly 
informed of his situation when chased by the British squad- 
ron off New-York, and that they are good enough to give 
him more credit by escaping them than he ought to claim, 
takes this opportunity of requesting them to make a trans- 
fer of a great part of their good wishes to Lt. Morris, and 
the other brave officers, and the crew under his command, 
for their very great exertions and prompt attention to orders 
while the enemy were in chase. Capt. Hull has great 
pleasure in saying, that notwithstanding the length of the 
chase, and the officers and crew being deprived of sleep, 



6 NAVAL MONUMENT. 

and allowed but little refreshment during the time, not a 
murmur was heard to escape them." 

Interesting particulars. 

Capt. Hull, in the management of his ship, during her 
chase by the squadron under Com. Broke, displayed the 
most skilful and accomplished seamanship. 

At a time when the wind was very light, the sails of the 
Shannon were all furled, and the boats of the squadron were 
all put to tow her directly to windward toward the Consti- 
tution ; at the same time Capt. Hull was kedging his ship 
forward faster than the enemy was able to advance by tow- 
ing ; he had gained a considerable distance, before the ene- 
my, who were constantly observing him with their glasses, 
perceived the manner in which he was leaving. They then 
kedged in their turn, but not with the same rapidity, ow- 
ing probably in some measure to the precaution observed 
by Capt. Hull, whenever his boats came home, instead of 
making them fast to the ship, of hoisting them up at the 
davids. This manoeuvre of kedging a ship at sea, in 25 or 
30 fathoms water, was an ingenious and novel experiment ; 
it was first suggested, it is understood, by Lieut, [now 
Capt.] C. Morris. 

When the squall struck the Constitution, by which she ul- 
timately escaped, Capt. H. availed himself of another strat- 
agem to gain time. He was to windward — the squall was 
powerful, and pressed her huge side low in the water ; he 
immediately let every thing go by the run, apparently in 
the utmost confusion, as if unable to shew a yard of can- 
vass — his sails were hauled up by the brails and clewlines ; 
the enemy, perceiving this, hastened to get every thing 
snug, before the gust should reach them : — but, no sooner 
had they got their sails furled, than Capt Hull had his 
courses and topsails set, and the Constitution darted forward 
with great rapidity. So coolly however did he proceed, 
that he would not suffer one of his boats to be cut adrift, 
but, though pressed by a pursuing enemy, attended per- 
sonally to hoisting in his launch and other boats, while the 



NAVAL MONUMENT. 7 

ahip was going nine or ten knots through the water. This 
is a fact which will appear astonishing to a sailor ; and he 
seemed to be the only person in the ship who conceived it 
feasible : — the British squadron cut adrift all their boats, 
and, after they abandoned the chase, spent two or three 
whole days in cruising to pick them up. 

CAPTURE OF THE NAUTILUS. 

Soon after the escape of the Constitution, the U. S. brig 
Nautilus, 12 guns, Lt. Crane, was captured by the above 
British squadron. The following letter ishonorary toLt. 
Crane: 

The Sec^y of the navy to Lt. Crane, late of the Nautilus. 
Sir, Navy department, 1 Oct. 1812. 

The following is the opinion of the court of inquiry, 
convened agreeably to your request, for the loss of the U. 
S. brig Nautilus. 

The court were unanimously and decidedly of opinion, 
that in the capture of the late U. S. brig Nautilus, Lieut. 
Crane, her late commander, and his officers, are entirely 
free from the least blame, or censure, and do consider Lt. 
Crane did every thing to prevent said capture, that a skil- 
ful and experienced officer could possibly do. 

This opinion of the court, Sir, only confirms the im- 
pression confidently entertained with respect to your con- 
duct on the occasion, to which it refers. 
I have the honour to be respectfully, 

Sir, your ob't serv't, 
William M. Cranf, Esq. PAUL HAMILTON. 

of the navy, Boston- 

CONSTITUTION AND GUERRIERE. 

U. S. Frigate Constitution, off Boston Light, 
Sir, August 30, 1812. 

I have the honour to inform you that on the 19th inst. at 
1 P. M. being in lat. 41 o 42/ and long. 55 o 48/, with 
the Constitution under my command, a sail was discovered 



8 NAVAL MONUMENT. 

from the mast head|bearing E. by S. or E. S. E. but at such a 
distance we could not tell what she was. All sail was in- 
stantly made in chase, and soon found we came up with her. 
At 3 P. M. could plainly see, that she was a ship on the 
starboard tack under easy sail, close on a wind ; at \ past 3 
P.M. made her out to be a frigate ; continued the chase un- 
til we were within about three miles, when I ordered the 
light sails to be taken in, the courses hauled up, and the 
ship cleared for action. At this time the chase had backed 
his maintop-sail, waiting for us to come down. As soon as 
the Constitution was ready for action, I bore down with in- 
tention to bring him to close action immediately ; but on 
our coming within gun-shot she gave us a broadside and 
filed away, and wore, giving us a broadside on the other 
tack, but without effect ; her shot falling short. She con- 
tinued wearing and maneuvering for about three quarters 
of an hour, to get a raking position, but finding she could 
not, she bore vip, and run under her top-sails and gib, with 
the wind on her quarter. I immediately made sail to bring 
the ship up with her, and five minutes before 6 P. M. be- 
ing along side within half pistol-shot, we commenced a 
heavy fire from all our guns, double shotted with round 
and grape, and so well directed were they, and so warmly 
kept up, that in 15 minutes his mizen mast went by the 
board and his main yard in the slings and the hull, rigging, 
and sails very much torn to pieces. The fire was kept up 
with equal warmth for 15 minutes longer, when his main- 
mast and foremast went, taking with them every spar, ex- 
cepting the bowsprit. On seeing this we ceased firing, so 
that in thirty minutes after, we got fairly along side the 
enemy ; she surrendered, and had not a spar standing, and 
her hull below and above water so shattered, that a few 
more broadsides must have carried her down. 

After informing you, that so fine a ship as the Guerriere, 
commanded by an able and experienced officer, had been 
totally dismasted, and otherwise cut to pieces so as to make 
her not worth towing into port, in the short space of thir- 



NAVAL MONUMENT. 9 

ty minutes, you can have no doubt of the gallantry and 
good conduct of the officers and ship's company I have 
the honour to command ; it only remains therefore for me 
to assure you, that they all fought with great bravery ; and 
it gives me great pleasure to say, that from the smallest 
boy in the ship to the oldest seaman, not a look of fear was 
seen. They all went into action, giving three cheers, and 
requested to be laid close along side the enemy. 

Enclosed I have the honour to send you a list of killed 
and wounded on board the Constitution, and a report of the 
damages she has sustained ; also a list of killed and woun- 
ded on board the enemy, with his quarter bill, &c. 

I have the honour to be, with very great respect, 

Sir, your ob't serv't, 

Hon. Paul Hamilton, &c. ISAAC HULL. 

Return of killed and wounded on board the U. S. a 'gate Consti- 
tution, Isaac Hull Esq. Captain, in the action icith H. M. ship 
Guerriere, Jas. R. Dacres, Esq, Captain, on the 20th day of 
Aug. 1812. 

Killed — Wm. S. Bush,* 1st Lt. marines; Jacob Sago, 
seaman ; Robert Brice, do ; John Brown, do. ; James Read 
do.; Caleb Smith, do.; James Ashford, do. 

Wounded — Chas. Morris, 1st Lt. dangerously ; John C. 
Alwyn, master, slightly ; Richard Dunn, seaman, danger- 
ously ; Geo. Reynolds, ord. seaman, dangerously ; Daniel 
Lewis, do. dangerously ; Owen Taylor, do. dangerously ; 
Francis Mullen, marine, slightly. 

Recapitulation. 
Killed — One Lt. of marines and six seamen. — Total kil- 
led 7. 

* Lieut. William S. Bush was a native of Wilmington (Delaware.) His 
father, Capt. John Bush was a meritorious officer in the revolutionary war, 
and he was the nephew of the brave Major Lewis Bush, who fell supporting 
the cause of his country at the battle of Brandy wine. 

4 



10 NAVAL MONUMENT. 

Wounded— Two officers, four seamen and one marine. 
Total wounded 7. 

Total killed and wounded, 14. 

ISAAC HULL, Capt. 

U. S. frigate Constitution, T. J. CHEW, Purser. 

Aug. 21, 1812. 

List of killed and xcounded on board the Guerriere. 

Killed— H. Ready, 2d Lt. and fourteen petty officers, 
seamen and marines. 

Wounded— James R. Dacres, Capt. ; Bart. Kent, Lt. ; 
Robert Scott, master ; Samuel Grant, master's mate ; James 
Enslie, midshipman, and fifty seven petty officers, seamen 

and marines. 

Missing— Lt. James Pullman, Mr. Gaston, and twenty 

two seamen and marines. 

The following particulars of the action, are communica- 
ted by an officer of the Constitution, and may be consider- 
ed as essentially correct. 

Lat. 41 o 42/ N. Ion. 55 o 33/ W. Thursday, Aug. 20, 
fresh breeze fromN. W. and cloudy ; at 2 P. M. discover- 
ed a vessel to the southward, made all sail in chase ; at 3, 
perceived the chase to be a ship on the starboard tack, close 
hauled to the wind ; hauled S. S. W. ; at | past 3 made 
out the chase to be a frigate ; at 4, coming up with the 
chase very fast ; at \ before 5, the chase laid her main-top- 
sail to the mast ; took in our top-gallant-sails, stay-sails 
and flying-gib ; took a second reef in the top-sails, hauled 
the courses up, sent the royal yards down, and got all clear 
for action ; beat to quarters, on which the crew gave three 
cheers ; at 5 the chase hoisted three English ensigns, at 5 
minutes past 5 the enemy commenced firing ; at 20 minutes 
past 5, set our colours, one at each mast-head, and one at 
the mizen-peak, and began firing on the enemy, and con- 
tinued to fire occasionally, he wearing very often, and we 
maneuvering to close with him, and avoid being raked ; 



NAVAL MONUMENT. 11 

at 6 set the main-top-gallant sail, the enemy having bore 
up ; at 5 minutes past six, brought the enemy to close ac- 
tion, standing before the wind ; at 15 minutes past 6, the 
enemy's mizen-mast fell over on the starboard side ; at 20 
minutes past 6, finding we were drawing ahead of the en- 
emy, luffed short round his bows, to rake him ; at 25 min- 
utes past 6, the enemy fell on board of us, his bow-sprit 
foul of our mizen rigging. We prepared to board, but 
immediately after, his fore and main mast went by the 
board, and it was deemed unnecessary. Our cabin had ta- 
ken lire from his guns ; but soon extinguished, without 
material injury ; at 30 minutes past 6, shot ahead of the 
enemy, when the firing ceased on both sides ; he making 
the signal of submission by firing a gun to leeward ; set 
fore-sail and main-sail, and hauled to the eastward to re- 
pair damage ; all our braces and much of our standing and 
running rigging and some of our spars being shot away. 
At seven wore ship, and stood under the lee of the prize — 
sent our boat on board, which returned at 8, with Capt. 
Dacres, late of his Majesty's ship Guerriere, mounting 49 
carriage guns, and manned with 302 men ; got our boats 
out and kept them employed in removing the prisoners 
and baggage from the prize to our own ship. Sent a sur- 
geon's mate to assist in attending the wounded ; wearing 
ship occasionally to keep in the best position to receive 
the boats. At 20 minutes before 2 A. M. discovered a sail 
off the larboard beam, standing to the south ; saw all clear 
for another action : at 3 the sail stood off again ; at day 
light was hailed by the Lieut, on board the prize, who in- 
formed he had four feet of water in the hold, and that she 
was in a sinking condition ; all hands employed in removing 
the prisoners, and repairing our own damage through the 
remainder of the day. Friday the 21st commenced with 
light breezes from the northward, and pleasant ; our boats 
and crew still employed as before. At 3 P. M. made the 
signal of recal for our boats, having received all the pris- 
oners. They immediately left her on fire, and \ past 3 she 



12 NAVAL MONUMENT. 

blew up. Our loss in the action was 7 killed and 7 woun- 
ded ; among the former, Lieut. Bush of marines, and 
among the latter, Lt. Morris, severely ; and Mr. Aylwin, 
the master slightly. On the part of the enemy, 15 men 
killed, and 64 wounded. Among the former, Lt. Ready, 
2d of the ship ; among the latter, Capt. Dacres, Lt. Kent, 
1st, Mr. Scott, master, and master's mate. 

During her short cruise, the Constitution, beside the 
above gallant achievement, has destroyed two English 
brigs ; one with lumber, the other in ballast, and recaptur- 
ed the Adeline of Bath, from London, with dry goods, 
which had been taken by the British sloop Avenger, Capt. 
Johnston, of 16 guns ; — and which Capt. Hull manned and 
ordered for America. 

When the Gucrriere first came in sight of the Constitution^ 
she stood toward her as if with an intention of bringing 
her to immediate action, and the latter put herself under 
easy sail for her reception : but after approaching sufficient- 
ly near, to observe her with accuracy, she bore up, stood 
broad off from the wind, and seemed inclined to take French 
leave ; Capt. Hull was compelled to crowd a press of sail 
upon his ship in order to overtake his antagonist, who 
when he got within gun-shot, commenced a cannonade ; 
not a sun was returned from the Constitution, whose men 
were coolly turned up to reef topsails, send down top-gal- 
lant yards and swing the lower yards with chains ; this bu- 
siness being effected with deliberation and precision under 
a galling fire from the enemy, and without herself return- 
ing a single shot, the Constitution was ranged along side of 
the enemy, and her fire opened with such terrible effect, 
that in 25 minutes the Gucrriere was demolished ! 

When the Giterriere J s mizen mast was shot away, Capt. 
H. in the enthusiasm of the moment, swung his hat round 
his head, and in true sailor's phraze, exclaimed, " Huzza ! 
my boys ! wc have made a brig of her ! " 

It is well known that when Lieut. Bush of the marines 
received his mortal wound, the Guerriere's bowsprit was 



NAVAL MONUMENT. 13 

engaged in the mizen rigging of the Constitution, and he 
was on the quarter for the purpose of boarding. Lieut. 
Morris was in the same situation, and received a musket 
ball through his body. Capt. Hull was about joining them 
for the same purpose, and when stepping upon the arm- 
chest, he was drawn back by a sailor, who begged he would 
not get up there unless he took off those swabs, pointing to his 
epaulets. At that moment the two ships were so near to- 
gether, that one of our sailors, having discharged his board- 
ing pistol, and missed his object, threw the pistol itself, 
and struck him in the breast. 

The flag being shot away from the Constitution' 1 s main-top- 
gallant mast head, John Hogan, a young sailor, ascended 
amid a shower of bullets and lashed it to the mast. This 
brave fellow enjoys a pension for his intrepidity. 

Lieutenant, (now Capt.) Morris, has since been promot- 
ed to the command of the frigate Mams, of 32 guns. He 
has ever been distinguished in the navv for his unremitted 
application in the acquirement of nautical information ; for 
activity, intelligence, and zeal in the faithful discharge of 
his duty. His gallant conduct, while under Commodore 
Preble, in the Tripolitan war, gained him the confidence of 
his commander, the admiration of his companions in 
arms, and the applause of his countrymen. He was the 
first man who gained the deck of the frigate Philadelphia, 
on that ever memorable night, when under the batteries of 
the enemy, she was wrapt in flames by the Spartan band, 
under Lieut. Decatur ; for which brilliant exploit the Pres- 
ident most justly gave the latter a Captain's commission. 
When the Constitution made her escape from the British 
squadron off the Capes of the Chesapeake — to Lieut. Mor-> 
ris did the magnanimous Hull give much of the credit ac- 
quired in that masterly retreat. Those who personally 
know the sterling worth and intrinsic merit of Capt. Mor- 
ris, cannot but rejoice that his manly virtues and naval tal- 
ents have now a more ample field of exertion in his coun- 
try's cause. 



U NAVAL MONUMENT. 

Capt. Hull, in a letter to the Secretary of the navy, 
passed a handsome eulogium of Capt Morris, in the follow- 
ing passage : "I cannot but make you acquainted with the 
very great assistance I received from that valuable officer, 
Lieut. Morris, in bringing the ship into action, and in work- 
ing her whilst along side the enemy ; and I am extremely 
sorry to state, that he is badly wounded, being shot through 
the- body. We have yet hopes of his recovery, when, I am 
sure, he will receive the gratitude of his country for this 
and the many gallant acts he has done in the service." 



WASP AND FROLIC. 

OFFICIAL LETTER OF CAPT. JONES. 

Copy of a letter from Capt. Jones, late of the United States' sloop 
of war, the Wasp, to the Secretary of the Navy. 

Sir, N. York, 24 Mv. 1812. 

I here avail myself of the first opportunity of inform- 
ing you of the occurrences of our cruise, which terminated 
in the capture of the Wasp on the 18th of October, by the 
Poictiers of seventy four guns, while a wreck, from dama- 
ges received in an engagement with the British sloop of 
war Frolic, of twenty two guns, sixteen of them 32lb. car- 
ronades, and four twelve pounders on the main deck, and 
two twelve pounders, carronades, on the top-gallant fore- 
castle, making her superior in force to us by four twelve 
pounders. The Frolic had struck to us, and was taken pos- 
session of about two hours before our surrendering to the 
Poictiers. 

We had left the Delaware on the 13th. The 15th had a 
heavy gale, in which we lost our jib-boom and two men. 
Half past eleven, on the night of the 17th, in latitude 37 o 
north, and longitude 65 o west, we saw several sail, two of 
them appearing very large ; we stood from them some time, 
then shortened sail, and steered the remainder of the night 
the course wc had perceived them on. At day-light on 



NAVAL MONUMENT. 15 

Sunday the 18th, we saw them ahead ; gave chase, and soon 
discovered them to be a convoy of six sail under the pro- 
tection of a sloop of war : four of them large ships, mount- 
ing from sixteen to eighteen guns. At 32 minutes past elev- 
en A. M. we engaged the sloop of war, having first receiv- 
ed her fire, at the distance of fifty or sixty yards, which 
space we gradually lessened until we laid her on board, af- 
ter a well supported fire of 43 minutes ; and although so 
near while loading the last broadside that our rammers were 
shoved against the sides of the enemy, our men exhibited 
the same alacrity which they had done during the whole of 
the action. They immediately surrendered upon our gain- 
ing their forecastle, so that no loss was sustained on either 
side after boarding. 

Our main-top mast was shot away between 4 and 5 min- 
utes from the commencement of the firing, and falling to- 
gether with the main topsail yard across the larboard fore 
and fore topsail braces, rendered our head yards unmanage- 
able the remainder of the action. At eight minutes the 
gaft and mizen top-gallant mast came down, and at 20 min- 
utes from the beginning of the action every brace and most 
of the rigging was shot away. A few minutes after separa- 
ting from the Frolic, both her masts fell upon deck ; the 
mainmast going close by the deck, and the foremast twelve 
or fifteen feet above it. 

The courage and exertions of the officers and crew fully 
answered my expectations and wishes. Lieut. Biddle's ac- 
tive conduct contributed much to our success, by the exact 
attention paid to every department during the engagement, 
and the animating example he afforded the crew by his in- 
trepidity. Lieutenants Rodgers, Booth, and Mr. Rapp, 
shewed, by the incessant fire from their divisions, that they 
were not to be surpassed in resolution or skill. Mr. Knight, 
and every other officer, acted with a courage and promp- 
titude highly honourable, and I trust have given assurance 
that they may be relied on whenever their services may be 
required. 



1G NAVAL MONUMENT. 

I could not ascertain the exact loss of the enemy, as ma- 
ny of the dead lay buried under the masts and spars that 
had fallen upon deck, which two hours' exertion had not 
sufficiently removed. Mr. Biddle, who had charge of the 
Frolic, states, that from what he saw, and from information 
from the officers, the number of killed must have been 
about 30, and that of the wounded about 40 or 50. Of the 
killed is her first lieutenant, and sailing master ; of the 
wounded, Capt. Whinyates, and the second lieutenant. 

We had 5 killed and 5 wounded, as per list : the wound- 
ed are recovering. Lieut. Claxton, who was confined by 
sickness, left his bed a little previous to the engagement ; 
and though too indisposed to be at his division, remained 
upon deck, and showed by his composed manner of noting 
its incidents, that we had lost by his illness the services of 
a brave officer. I am respectfully yours, 

Hon. Paul Hamilton, JACOB JONES .* 

Sec'y of Navy. 

It is on the navy of the United States that our national 
pride, and our hopes of glory repose. We have never 
been able to look without the highest satisfaction on that 
fearless profession, the nursery of generous courage, and of 
high-minded patriotism — to whose followers every form of 
danger is alike familiar and without terror. 

Nor toil, nor hazard, nor distress, appear 
To sink the seamen with unmanly fear ; 
Who from the face of danger strives to turn, 
Indignant from the social hour they spurn ; 
No future ills, unknown, their souls appal, 
They hiiow no danger, or they scorn it all. 

But we have no language to convey our admiration of 

the young and gallant spirits, who, in the first essays of their 

strength, have triumphed over the veteran science, and the 

disciplined valour, of the habitual conquerors on the ocean. 

They have retrieved all our disasters ; they have shed new 

* Capt. Jones is a native of Kent county, state of Delaware. 



NAVAL MONUMENT. 17 

lustre on our arms, and sustained, even in the midst of 
mortifying reverses, the loftiest tone of national enthusi- 
asm. Their only anxiety has been to find the enemies of 
their country ; and, wherever they have met them, their 
valour has rendered victory certain, whilst their skill has 
made it easy. 

Devoted, as is this journal,* to all that can add honour 
or distinction to the national character, it has no fairer pa- 
ges than those which record instances of bravery like the 
following, the account of which we have rendered scrupu- 
lously minute and authentic. 

The United States' sloop of war the Wasp, commanded 
by Captain Jacob Jones, was cruising in long. 65 o W. and 
lat. 37 oN. the track of vessels passing from Bermuda to 
Halifax, when, on Saturday, the 17th of October, about 
eleven o'clock, in a clear moon-light evening, she f®und 
herself near five strange sail, steering eastward. As some 
of them seemed to be ships of war, it was thought better to 
get farther from them. The Wasp therefore haled her 
wind, and having reached a few miles to windward, so as 
to escape or fight as the occasion might require, followed 
the strange sail through the night. At daybreak, on Sun- 
day morning, Capt. Jones found that they were six large 
merchant ships, under convoy of a sloop of war which pro- 
ved to be the Frolic, Capt. Whinyates, from Honduras to 
England, with a convoy, strongly armed and manned, hav- 
ing all forty or fifty men ; and two of them mounting six- 
teen guns each. He determined, however, to attack them, 
and as there was a heavy swell of the sea, and the weather 
boisterous, got down his top-gallant yards, close reefed the 
topsails, and prepared for action. About eleven o'clock the 
Frolic showed Spanish colours ; and the Wasp immediate- 
ly displayed the American ensign and pendant. At thirty- 
two minutes past eleven, the Wasp came down to wind- 
ward, on her larboard side, within about sixty yards, and 
hailed. The enemy hauled down the Spanish colours, 
* Port Folio. 

5 



18 NAVAL MONUMENT. 

hoisted the British ensign, and opened a fire of cannon and 
musketry. This the Wasp instantly returned ; and, com- 
ing nearer to the enemy, the action became close, and with- 
out intermission. In four or five minutes the main topmast 
of the Wasp was shot away, and, falling down with the 
main topsail yard across the larboard, fore and fore topsail 
braces, rendered her head yards unmanageable during the 
rest of the action. In two or three minutes more her gaft 
and mizen top-gallant sail were shot away. Still she con- 
tinued a close and constant fire. The sea was so rough 
that the muzzels of the Wasp's guns were frequently in the 
water. The Americans, therefore, fired as the ship's side 
was going down, so that their shot went either on the ene- 
my's deck or below it, while the English fired as the vessel 
rose, and thus her balls chiefly touched the rigging, or 
were thrown away. The Wasp now shot ahead of the 
Frolic, raked her, and then resumed her position on her 
larboard bow. Her fire was now obviously attended with 
such success, and that of the Frolic so slackened, that Capt. 
Jones did not wish to board her, lest the roughness of the 
sea might endanger both vessels ; but, in the course of a 
few minutes more, every brace of the Wasp was shot away, 
and her riffffins; so much torn to pieces, that he was afraid 
that his masts, being unsupported, would go by the board, 
and the Frolic be able to escape. He thought, therefore, 
the best chance of securing her was to board, and decide 
the contest at once. With this view, he wore ship, and, 
running down upon the enemy, the vessels struck each oth- 
er, the Wasp's side rubbing along the Frolic's bow, so that 
her jib-boom came in between the main and mizen rigging 
of the Wasp, directly over the heads of Capt. Jones and 
the first Lieutenant, Mr. Biddle, who were at that moment 
standing together near the capstan. The Frolic lay so fair 
for raking, that they decided not to board until they had 
given a closing broadside. Whilst they Avere loading for 
this, so near were the two vessels, that the rammers of the 
Wasp were pushed against the Frolic's sides, and two of 



NAVAL MONUMENT. 19 

her guns went through the bow ports of the Frolic, and 
swept the whole length of her deck. At this moment, Jack 
Lang.,* a seaman of the Wasp, a gallant fellow, who had 
been once impressed by a British man of war, jumped on 
his gun with his cutlass, and was springing on board the 
Frolic : Capt. Jones, wishing to fire again before boarding 
called him down ; but his impetuosity could not be re- 
strained, and he was already on the bowsprit of the Frolic, 
when, seeing the ardour and enthusiasm of the Wasp's crew, 
Lieut. Biddle mounted on the hammoc cloth to board. At 
this signal the crew followed ; but Lieut. Biddle's feet got 
entangled in the rigging of the enemy's bowsprit, and mid- 
shipman Baker, in his ardor to get onboard, laying hold of 
his coat, he fell back on the Wasp's deck. He sprang up, 
and as the next swell of the sea brought the Frolic nearer, 
he got on her bowsprit, where Lang and another seaman 
were already. He passed them on the forecastle, and was sur- 
prised at seeing not a single man alive on the Frolic's deck, 
except the seaman at the wheel and three officers. The deck 
was slippery with blood, and strewed with the bodies of the 
dead. As he went forward, the Captain of the Frolic, with 
two other officers, who were standing on the quarter deck, 
threw down their swords, and made an inclination of their 
bodies, denoting that they had surrendered. At this mo- 
ment the colors were still flying, as, probably, none of the 
seamen of the Frolic would dare to go into the rigging for 
fear of the musketry of the Wasp. Lieut. Biddle, there- 
fore, jumped into the rigging himself, and hauled down the 
British ensign, and possession was taken of the Frolic in 43 
minutes after the first fire. She was in a shocking condi- 
tion ; the birth deck, particularly, was crowded with dead, 
and wounded, and dying ; there being but a small propor- 
tion of the Frolic's crew who had escaped. Capt. Jones 
instantly sent on board his surgeon's mate, and all the blan- 
kets of the Frolic were brought from the slop room .or the 

* John Lang is a native of New Brunswick, in New Jersey. We men- 
tion with great pleasure, the name of this brave American seaman, as a 
proof that conspicuous valor is confined to no rank in the naval service. 



20 NAVAL MONUMENT. 

comfort of the wounded. To increase this confusion, both 
the Frolic's masts soon fell, covering the dead and every 
thing on deck, and she lay a complete wreck. 

It now appears that the Frolic mounted sixteen 321b, car- 
ronades, four Impounders on the main deck, and two 121b. 
carronades. She was, therefore, superior to the Wasp, by 
exactly four twelve pounders. The number of men on 
board, as stated by the officers of the Frolic, was one hun- 
dred and ten — the number of seamen on board the Wasp, 
was one hundred and two ; but it could not be ascertain- 
ed, whether in this one hundred and ten, were included 
mariners and officers ; for the Wasp had, besides her one 
hundred and two men, officers and marines, making the 
whole crew about one hundred and thirty five. — What how- 
ever, is decisive, as to their comparative force is, that the 
officers of the Frolic acknowledged that they had as many 
men as they knew what to do with, and, in fact, the Wasp 
could have spared fifteen men. There was, therefore, on 
the most favorable view, at least an equality of men, and 
an inequality of four guns. The disparity of loss was 
much greater. The exact number of killed and wounded 
on board the Frolic could not be precisely determined ; 
but from the observations of our officers, and the declara- 
tions of those of the Frolic, the number could not be less 
than about thirty killed, including two officers ; and of the 
wounded, between forty and fifty ; the Captian and second 
Lieutenant being of the number. The Wasp had five men 
killed, and five slightly wounded. 

All hands were now employed in clearing the deck, bu- 
rying the dead, and taking care of the wounded, when 
Captain Jones sent orders to Lieutenant Biddle to proceed 
to Charlestown, or any southern port of the United States; 
and, as there was a suspicious sail to windward, the Wasp 
would continue her cruise. The ships then parted. The 
suspicious sail was now coming down very fast. At first it 
was supposed that she was one of the convoy, who had all 
fled during the engagement, and who now came for the pur- 



NAVAL MONUMENT. 21 

pose of attacking the prize. The guns of the Frolic were, 
therefore, loaded, and the ship cleared for action ; but the 
enemy, as she advanced, proved to be a seventy-four, the 
Poictiers, Captian Beresford. She fired a shot over the Frol- 
ic ; passed her ; overtook the Wasp, the disabled state of 
whose rigging prevented her from escaping ; and then re- 
turned to the Frolic, who could, of course, make no re- 
sistance. The Wasp and Frolic were carried into Bermuda. 
It is not the least praise due to Capt. Jones, that his ac- 
count of this gallant action, is perfectly modest and unos- 
tentatious. On his own share in the capture, it is unneces- 
sary to add any thing. " The courage and exertion of the 
officers and crew," he observes, u fully answered my ex- 
pectations and wishes. Lieutenant Biddle's active conduct 
contributed much to our success, by the exact attention paid 
to every department, during the engagement, and the ani- 
mating example he afforded the crew by his intrepidity. 
Lieutenants Rodgers and Booth, and Mr. Rapp, showed by 
the incessant lire from their divisions, that they were not to 
be surpassed in resolution or skill. Mr. Knight and every 
other officer, acted with a courage and promptitude highly 
honourable. Lieutenant Claxton, who was confined by 
sickness, left his bed a little previous to the engagement ; 
and, though too weak to be at his division, remained upon 
deck, and showed, by his composed manner of noting its 
incidents, that we had lost, by his illness, the services of a 
brave officer." 



UNITED STATES AND MACEDONIAN. 

Message of the President of the United States, communicating to 
congress the official letters of Captains Decatur and Jones. 

To the Senate and House of Representatives of the U. S. 
I transmit to Congress a copy of a letter to the Secreta- 
ry of the navy, from Capt. Decatur, of the frigate United 
States, reporting his combat and capture of the British frig- 
ate Macedonian. 



22 NAVAL MONUMENT. 

Too much praise cannot be bestowed on that officer and 
his companions on board, for the consummate skill and con- 
spicuous valour by which this trophy has been added to the 
naval arms of the United States. 

I transmit also a letter* from Capt Jones, who command- 
ed the sloop of war Wasp, reporting his capture of the Brit- 
ish sloop of war, the Frolic, after a close action, in which 
other brilliant titles will be seen to the public admiration 
and praise. 

A nation feeling what it owes to itself, and its citizens, 
could never abandon to arbitrary violence on the ocean, a 
class of men, which gives such examples of capacity and 
courage, in defending their rights on that element ; exam- 
ples, which ought to impress On the enemy, however brave 
and powerful, a preference of justice and peace to hostility 
against a country whose prosperous career may be accelera- 
ted, but cannot be prevented by the assaults made on it. 

JAMES MADISON. 
Washington, Dec. 11, 1812. 



COBIMODORE DECATUR'S OFFICIAL LETTER TO THE 
SECRETARY OF THE NAVY. 

U. S. ship, United States, at sea. 
Sir, Oct. 30, 1812. 

I have the honour to inform you, that on the 25th 
inst. being in latitude 29 o N. longitude 29 o 30/ W. we 
fell in with, and after an action of an hour and a half, cap- 
tured his Britannic Majesty's ship Macedonian, commanded 
by Captain John Carden, and mounting 49 carriage guns, 
(the odd gun shifting.) She is a frigate of the largest class 
two years old, four months out of dock, and reputed one 
of the best sailers in the British service. The enemy, be- 
ing to windward, had the advantage of engaging us at his 
own distance, which was so great, that for the first half 
hour, we did not use our carronades, and at.no moment 

* Which see ante, p .14. 



NAVAL MONUMENT. 23 

was he within the complete effect of our musketry and 
grape ; to this circumstance, and a heavy swell, which was- 
on at the time, I ascribe the unusual length of the action. 

The enthusiasm of every officer, seaman and marine on 
board this ship, on discovering the enemy — their steady 
conduct in battle, and precision of their fire, could not be 
surpassed. Where all met my fullest expectations, it would 
be unjust in me to discriminate. Permit me, however, to 
recommend to your particular notice, my first Lieutenant, 
William H. Allen. He has served with me upwards of five 
years, and to his unremitted exertions in disciplining the 
crew, is to be imputed the obvious superiority of our gun- 
nery exhibited in the result of this contest. 

Subjoined is a list of the killed and wounded on both 
sides. Our loss compared with that of the enemy, will ap- 
pear small. Amongst our wounded you will observe the 
name of Lieut. Funk, who died a few hours after the ac- 
tion ; he was an officer of great gallantry and promise, and 
the service has sustained a severe loss in his death. 

The Macedonian lost her mizen mast, fore and main top- 
masts and main yard, and was much cut up in her hull. — 
The damage sustained by this ship was not such as to render 
her return into port necessary ; and had I not deemed it im- 
portant that we should see our prize in, should have contin- 
ued our cruise. 

With the highest consideration and respect, I am, sir, 
your obedient humble servant, 

Hon. Paul Hamilton. STEPHEN DECATUR. 

List of killed and wounded on board the United States. 

Killed — Thomas Brown, N. Y. seaman ; Henry Shep- 
herd, Philadelphia, do. ; William Murry, Boston, a boy ; 
Michael 0. Donnel, N. Y. private marine ; John Roberts, 
do. do. 

Wounded — John Musser Funk, Philadelphia, Lieuten- 
ant ; John Archibald, N. Y. carpenter's crew ; Christian 
Clark, do. seaman ; George Christopher, do. ord. seaman ; 



24 NAVAL MONUMENT. 

George Mahar, do. do. ; Wm. Lumes, do. d«. ; Jolin Lator, 
do. private marine. 

On board the Macedonian, there were thirty-six killed, 
and sixty-eight wounded : among the former were the boat- 
swain, one master's mate and the school-master ; of the lat- 
ter, were the first and third Lieutenants, one master's mate 
and two midshipmen. 

At a meeting of the young men of Lancaster, Pa. the fol- 
lowing resolution, honorary to Lieutenant Funk, was passed: 

Whereas, with the deepest regret we have been apprised 
of the untimely death of our friend and fellow citizen, Lt. 
John Musser Funk, who fell gloriously fighting in the cause 
of his country, in the engagement between the frigate United 
States and the Macedonian, which ended in the brilliant vic- 
tory of the United States over the British frigate. 

Resolved, That as a testimony of our grief at the loss of 
the companion of our youth, our respect for his virtues, 
and the high estimation in which we hold his memory, we 
will wear crape on the left arm for the space of thirty days. 

John Archibald died of his wounds soon after. — He left 
three children to the mercy of the world and a worthless 
mother, who had abandoned them. When his father went 
on board the frigate to claim the wages and property of his 
son, an inquiry into the circumstances of the family took 
place, and a plan was agreed upon by the seamen for the re- 
lief of the orphans, and two dollars apiece was immediate- 
ly subscribed, amounting to about eight hundred, for the 
maintenance and education of the bereaved infants to be 
placed in the hands of suitable trustees. 

ADDRESS OF THANKS. 

The father of the deceased John Archibald, who fell in 
the gallant action on board the United States, under the com- 
mand of the heroic Commodore Stephen Decatur, avails 
himself of thus publicly returning his most sincere thanks 
to the commander for his humanity and benevolence to him, 
and also to his gallant officers and seamen, many of whom, 



NAVAL MONUMENT. 25 

are personally acquainted with the deceased's father, for 
having contributed largely and honourably towards the 
support of the said deceased's three orphan children ; which 
clearly demonstrates that the American seamen are posses- 
sed both of courage and humanity. 

Captain Carden spoke in the highest terms of approbation 
of the conduct of Commodore Decatur and his officers. 
All the private property of the officers and men on board 
the Macedonian was given up. That claimed by Capt. Car- 
den, (including a band of musick and several casks of wine) 
valued at about 800 dollars, the Commodore — whose soul is 
as liberal as brave — paid him for. Generosity could not 
have been more properly applied. Capt. Carden has been 
distinguished for his civilities to such Americans as he met 
at sea before the war. 

The frigate United Slates is 176 feet deck, and 42 feet 
beam — her gun deck is 6 feet 6 inches high — she has 15 
port holes on a side — and carries 24 pounders on her main 
deck. 

The Macedonian, is 166 feet deck — 42 feet 8 inches beam 
— her gun deck is 6 feet 10 inches high — she has 15 port 
holes on a side — and carries 18 pounders on her main deck. 

The Macedonian! is said to be the best model for a frio-ate, 
and was accounted the most completely fitted vessel in the 
service. 

An officer of the United States frigate, speaking of Deca- 
tur's victory, says, 

" I am well aware it will be said, the Macedonian is a lit- 
tle ship, with five guns less than the United States, and a hun- 
dred men less, and carries lighter metal &c. Well, all this 
is true — she is inferior in all these, but she is just such a ship 
as the English have achieved all their single ship victories 
in ; it was in such a ship that Sir Robert Barlow took the 
Africaine, that Sir Michael Seymour took the Brune, and 
afterwards the Niemen, that Capt. Milne took the Vengeance, 
Capt. Cooke the La Forte, Capt. Lavie, the Guerriere, Capt. 
Rowley, the Venus, and God knows how many others : — • 

6 



26 NAVAL MONUMENT. 

She is in tonnage, men and guns, such a ship as the Eng- 
lish prefer to all others, and have, till the Guerriere's loss, 
always thought a match for any single decked ship afloat. 
You will observe the ship was just out of dock, her masts 
were better than the Guerriere's. She had taken no prizes ; 
her complement was full. She was not built of fir, thirty 
years ago, as was said of that ship, but of the best English 
oak, two vears since. 



CONSTITUTION AND JAVA. 

House of Representatives of the United States, 

Monday, February 22, 1813. 

To the Senate and House of Representatives. 

I lay before congress a letter with accompanying docu- 
ments from Capt. Bainbridge, now commanding the United 
States frigate "the Constitution," reporting his capture and 
destruction of the British frigate u Java." The circumstances 
and the issue of this combat afford another example of the 
professional skill and heroic spirit which prevail in our nav- 
al service. The signal display of both by Capt. Bainbridge, 
his officers and crew, command the highest praise. This 
being the second instance in which the condition of the cap- 
tured ship, by rendering it impossible to get her into port, has 
barred a contemplated reward for successful valor, I recom- 
mend to the consideration of congress equity and propriety 
of a general provision, allowing in such cases, both past and 
future, a fair proportion of the value which would accrue 
to the captors on the safe arrival and sale of the prize. 

JAMES MADISON. 

U. S. frigate Constitution, St. Salvador, 

Sir, January 3, 1813. 

I have the honour to inform you that on the 29th ult. at 

2 P. M., in south lat. 13 o 6/, and west long. 38 o , and 

about 10 leagues distant from the coast of Brazil, I fell in 

with and captured his B. M. frigate Java, of 49 guns and 



NAVAL MONUiMENT. 27 

upwards of 400 men, commanded by Capt. Lambert, a very 

distinguished officer. The action lasted 1 hour 55 min- 
es 

utes, in which time the enemy was completely dismasted, 
not having a spar of any kind standing. The loss onboard 
the Constitution, was 9 killed and 25 wounded, as per en- 
closed list. The enemy had 60 killed and 101 wounded, 
certainly, (among the latter Capt. Lambert, mortally) but 
by the enclosed letter, written on board this ship, by one of 
the officers of the Java, and accidentally found, it is evident 
that the enemy's wounded must have been much greater 
than as above stated, and who must have died of their 
wounds previously to their being removed. The letter 
states 60 killed and 170 wounded. ■ 

For further details of the action, I beg leave to refer you 
to the enclosed extracts from my Journal. The Java had, 
in addition to her own crew, upwards of one hundred su- 
pernumerary officers and seamen to join the British ships of 
war in the East Indies : also Lieutenant General Hislop, 
appointed to the command of Bombay : Maj. Walker and 
Capt. Wood of his staff, and Capt. Marshall, master and 
commander in the British navy, going to the East Indies to 
take command of a sloop of war there. 

Should I attempt to do justice by representation to the 
brave and good conduct of all my officers and crew during 
the action, I should fail in the attempt ; therefore suffice it 
to say, that the whole of their conduct was such as to merit 
my highest encomiums. I beg leave to recommend the of- 
ficers particularly to the notice of the government, as also 
the unfortunate seamen who were wounded, and the fami- 
lies of those brave men who fell in the action. 

The great distance from our own coast and the perfect 
wreck we made the enemy's frigate, forbade every idea of 
attempting to take her to the United States ; I had there- 
fore no alternative but burning her, which I did on the 
31st ult. after receiving all the prisoners and their baggage, 
which was very hard work, only having one boat left out 
of eight, and not one left on board the Java. 



28 NAVAL MONUiMENT. 

On blowing up the frigate Java, I proceeded to this place, 
where I have landed all the prisoners on their parole to re- 
turn to England, and there remain until regularly exchang- 
ed, and not to serve in their professional capacities in any 
place, or in any manner whatsoever against the United 
States of America, until their exchange shall be effected. 

I have the honour to be, &c. 
• (Signed) W. BAINBRIDGE. 

To the Secretary of the Navy. 

List of killed and tvounded on board the Constitution. 

Killed — Jonas Ongrain, seaman; Joseph Adams, do.; 
Patrick Conner, do.; Barney Hart, do.; John Cheever, do.; 
Mark Snow, do.; John D. Allen, do.; Wm. Cooper, do.; 
Thomas Hanson, private marine. 

Wounded — Wm. Bainbridge, commander, severely ; 
John C. Ayhvin, lieut. do.; Chas. F. Waldo, master's mate, 
do.; Peter Woodbury, quarter master, do.; John Clements, 
seaman, do.; Joseph P. Cheever, do. do.; Nicholas Ven- 
tram, do. slightly ; Wm. Long, do. dangerously ; Stephen 
Webb, do. do.; Reuben Sanders, do. do.: Joseph Ward, 
do. severely ; Wm. Weaden, do. slightly ; Enos Bateman, 
do. dangerously ; Jas. D. Hammond, do. slightly ; Peter 
Evans, seaman, severely ; Steven Shepherd, do. slightly ; 
Abijah Eddy, do. do.; Philip Cook, do. do.; Wm. Brim- 
blecom, do. severely ; Samuel Brown, ordinary seaman, 
do.; Daniel Hogan, do. do.; Thomas Williams, 3d seaman, 
slightly ; John Voyle, do. severely : Anthony Reader, pri- 
vate marine, slightly ; John Etwell, do. do. 

(Signed) AMOS R. EVANS, Surgeon, 

R. C. LUDLOW, Purser, 
W. BAINBRIDGE. 

John Cheever was mortally wounded in the late action 
with the Java. Whilst lying on the deck, apparently dy- 
ino\the word was passed the enemy had struck. He raised 
himself up with one hand, gave three cheers, fell back, and 
expired ! Heroic specimen of the genuine patriotism of 
Vmerican tars ! ITc had a brother, Joseph P. Cheever. kill- 



NAVAL MONUMENT. 29 

ccl in the same action. They have left an aged an cL helpless 
mother at Marblehead, who depended entirely on the fruits; 
of their industry for a subsistence. 

At a public dinner, at the Exchange Coffee house, in Bos- 
ton, given in honour of Capt. Bainbridge, JVlarch 2, 1813, 
the Hon. Christopher Gore, president of the day, announ- 
ced in an affecting and eloquent address, that the money 
arising from the subscription, which was usually appropri- 
ated to decorations, had been on this occasion, reserved for 
the benefit of the widow Cheever, who had lost in the bat- 
tle with the Java, her only two sons, her stay and support ; 
and he offered this to the Commodore as an apology for an 
omission of decorations of the hall, as had been usual, and 
doubted not it would be acceptable. The Commodore ex- 
pressed his grateful sense of the compliment implied in the 
apology ; and all present felt that the compliment was just- 
ly due. 

Lieut. Aylwin died, at sea, Jan. 28, 1813, on board the 
U. S. frigate Constitution, of wounds received in the action 
with the Java. He entered the service about the time war 
was declared, as a sailing master, and was promoted to a 
lieutenant for his gallant conduct in the action with the 
Guerriere. He was an officer of great merit, much esteem- 
ed by all who had the pleasure of his acquaintance. In him 
his country has suffered great loss. He had seen much of 
the world, and improved his opportunities of observation : 
possessed a strong mind, and a benevolent disposition. 

In the action with the Guerriere, he stood on an elevated 
situation by the side of his comrades, Morris and Bush, at 
the time the two vessels came in contact, and was wounded 
in the left shoulder by a musket ball. In the late action he 
commanded the forecastle division ; and his deliberate 
bravery and marked coolness throughout the contest, gain- 
ed him the admiration of his commander, and all who had 
an opportunity of witnessing it. When boarders were cal- 
led to repel boarders, he mounted the quarter deck ham- 
mock-cloths ; and, in the act of firing his pistol at the ene- 



30 NAVAL MONUMENT. 

my, he received a ball through the same shoulder. Not- 
withstanding the serious nature of his wound, he continued 
at his post until the enemy struck. A few days after the ac- 
tion, although labouring under considerable debility, and 
the most excruciating pain, he left his bed, and repaired to 
quarters, when an engagement was expected with a ship, 
which afterwards proved to be the Hornet. He bore his 
pain with great and unusual fortitude, and expired without 
a groan. 

The following is a list of his Britannic Majesty's military 
and naval officers and crew, paroled at St. Salvador ( Bra- 
zil) by Commodore William Bainbridge, 3d Jan. 1813. 

1 Lieutenant general, 1 major, 1 captain, military offi- 
cers ; 1 post captain, 1 master and commandant, 5 lieuten- 
ants, 3 lieutenants of marines, 1 surgeon, 2 assisting sur- 
geons, 1 purser, 15 midshipmen, 1 gunner, 1 boatswain, 1 
master, 1 carpenter, 2 captain's clerks, 38 ; and 323 petty 
officers, seamen, marines and boys, exclusive of 9 Portu- 
guese seamen liberated and given up to the governor of St. 
Salvador, and 3 passengers, private characters, whom the 
Commodore did not consider prisoners of war, and permit- 
ted them to land without any restraint. 

EXTRACT FROM COMMODORE BAINBRIDGE'S JOURNAL. 

''Tuesday December 29, 1812— At 9 A. M. discovered 
two strange sails on the weather bow. At 10 discovered 
the strange sails to be ships : one of them stood in for the 
land, and the other stood off shore, in a direction towards 
us. At 45 minutes past 10 A. M. we tacked ship to the 
northward and westward, and stood for the sail standing 
towards us ; at 1 1 A. M. tacked to the southward and east- 
ward, hauled up the mainsail and took in the royals. At 
30 minutes past 11, made the private signal for the day, 
which was not answered, and then set the mainsail and roy- 
als to draw the strange sail off from the neutral coast, and 
separate her from the sail in company. 



NAVAL MONUMENT. 31 

" Wednesday, 30 Dec. (nautical time,) lat. 13 o 6/ S. Ion. 
31 o W. ten leagues from the coast of Brazil, commenced 
with clear weather and moderate breezes from E. N. E. 
hoisted our ensign and pendant. At 15 minutes past merid- 
ian, the ship hoisted her colours, an English ensign, having 
a signal flying at main. 

" At 26 minutes past 1 P. M. being sufficiently from the 
land, and finding the ship to be an English frigate, took in 
the main sail and royals, tacked ship, and stood for the ene- 
my. At 50 minutes past 1 P. M. the enemy bore down with 
an intention of raking us, which we avoided by wearing. 
At 2 P. M. the enemy being within half a mile of us, and to 
windward, and having hauled down his colours, except the 
union jack at the mizen mast head, induced me to give or- 
ders to the officer of the third division to fire a gun ahead of 
the enemy, to make him shew his colours, which being 
done, brought on a fire from us of the whole broadside, on 
which the enemy hoisted his colors, and immediately return- 
ed our fire. A general action, with round and grape, then 
commenced ; the enemy keeping at a much greater distance 
than I wished : but could not bring him to a closer action, 
without exposing ourselves to several rakes. Considerable 
manoeuvres were made by both vessels to rake and avoid 
being raked. The following minutes were taken during 
the action : 

" At 10 minutes past 2 P. M. commenced the action with- 
in good grape and canister distance, the enemy to windward, 
(but much farther than I wished.) At 30 minutes past 2, 
our wheel was shot entirely away. At 40 minutes past 2, 
determined to close with the enemy, notwithstanding his ra- 
king. Set the fore and mainsail, and luffed up close to him. 
At 50 minutes past 2, the enemy's jib-boom got foul of our 
mizen rigging. At 3, the head of the enemy's bowsprit 
and jib-boom shot away by us. At 5 minutes past 3, shot 
away the enemy's foremast by the board. At 15 minutes 
past 3, shot away his main topmast just above the cap. At 
40 minutes past 3, shot away the gaft and spanker boom. 



32 NAVAL MONUMENT. 

At 55 minutes past 3, shot away his mizen mast nearly by 
the board. At 5 minutes past 4, having silenced the fire of 
the enemy completely, and his colours in the main rigging 
being down, we supposed he had struck ; we then hauled 
down courses and shot ahead to repair our rigging, which 
was extremely cut ; leaving the enemy a complete wreck ; 
soon after discovered that the enemy's flag was still flying. 
Hove to, to repair some of our damage. At 20 minutes 
past 4, the enemy's mainmast went nearly by the board. 
At 50 minutes past four, wore ship and stood for the enemy. 
At 25 minutes past 5, got very close to the enemy in a very 
effectual raking position, athwart his bows, and was at the 
very instant of raking him when he most prudently struck 
his flao- — for had he suffered the broadside to have raked 
him, his additional loss must have been extremely great, as 
he laid an unmanageable wreck upon the water." 

The following correspondence exhibits the character of 
Capt. Cambridge in a light so honourable, and so well cal- 
culated to exalt the national character, that we are happy 
in the opportunity of giving it publicity. 

GENERAL HISLOP TO COMMODORE BAINBRIDGE. 

Dear Sir, St. Salvador, January 3, 1813. 

I am justly penetrated with the fullest sense of your very 
handsome and kind treatment, ever since the fate of war 
placed me in your power, and I beg once more to renew to 
you my sincere acknowledgments for the same. 

Your acquiescence with my request in granting me my 
parole, with the officers of my staff, added to the obligations 
I had previously experienced, claims from me this addition- 
al tribute of my thanks. May I now finally flatter myself, 
that in the further extension of your generous and humane 
feelings, in the alleviations of the misfortunes of war, that 
you will have the goodness to fulfil the only wish and re- 
quest I am now most anxious to see completed, by enlarg- 
ing on their parole (on the same conditions you have acced- 
ed to with respect to myself) all the officers of the Java 



NAVAIi MONUMENT. S3 

still on board your ship, a favour I shall never cease duly 
to appreciate by your acquiescence thereto. 

I have the honour to subscribe myself, dear sir, your 
most obliged and very humble servant, 

(Signed) T. HISLOP. 

Commodore Bainbridgc. 

ANSWER OF COMMODORE BAINBRIDGE. 

United States frigate Constitution. 
Dear Sir, St. Salvador, Jan. 3, 1813. 

I have received your letter of this date conveying, senti- 
ments of your feelings for my treatment towards you since 
the fate of war placed you in my power. The kind expres- 
sions which you have been pleased to use, are justly appre- 
ciated by me, and far overbalance those common civilities 
shewn by me, and which are always due to prisoners. I re- 
gret that the lumbered state of my ship prevented me from 
making you as comfortable on board, as I sincerely wished 
to have done. I have complied with your last request, re- 
specting paroling all the officers of the Java. In doing so, 
your desire, in addition to my disposition to ameliorate as 
much as possible the situation of those officers, considerably 
influenced me. 

Permit me to tender you (notwithstanding our respective 
countries are at war) assurances of sincere esteem and high 
respect, and to assure you that I shall feel at all times highly 
g ratified in hearing of or from you. 

With fervent wishes for the recovery of the gallant Capt. 
Lambert, I have the honour to subscribe myself, very res- 
pectfully, &c. 

(Signed) W. BAINBRIDGE. 

Lieut. Gen. Hislop, of the British army. 

GENERAL HISLOP TO COMMODORE BAINBRIDGE. 

Dear Sir, St. Salvador, Jan. 4. 1.813. 

Allow me once more to express my sincerest acknowl- 
edgments for this last instance of your kind attention to 
my wishes, by having complied with my request in behalf 

7 



34 NAVAL MONUMENT. 

of the officers of the Java. Lieut. Chads delivered to me 
your very polite and obliging letter, and be assured that I 
shall feel no less gratification at all times to hear of and 
from you, than that which you are so good as to express 
you will derive in receiving information respecting myself. 

May I request now that you will be so good as to cause 
to be looked for a small chest, containing articles of plate, 
more valuable to me on account of having been presented 
to me by the colony of Demarara, where I commanded for 
several years. I have the honour to be &c. 

(Signed) T. HISLOP. 

Com. Bainbridge. 

Lieut. Chads presents his compliments to Commodore 
Bainbridge, and is extremely sorry to inform him, Captain 
Lambert died a short time since. 

St. Salvador, Monday 1 1 o'clock. 

COMMODORE BAINBRIDGE TO LIEUTENANT CHADS. 

January, 4, 1813. 
Commodore Bainbridge has learnt with real sorrow the 
death of Capt. Lambert. Though a political enemy, he 
could not but greatly'respect him for the brave defence he 
made with his ship : and Commodore Bainbridge takes this 
occasion to observe, in justice to Lieut. Chads, who fought 
the Java after Capt. Lambert was wounded, that he did ev- 
ery thing for the defence of that ship, which a brave and 
skilful officer could do, and that further resistance would 
have been a wanton effusion of human blood. 

Size of the Java. 

The Java is rated in Steel's List a 38 gun frigate. Her re- 
al force was 28 eighteen pounders on the main deck — 14 
thirty-two pounders on the quarter deck — 4 thirty-two 
pounders, and 2 large twelve pounders on the forecastle — 
and one shifting gun, a twenty-four pounder. 

The British rate their ship from the number of guns on 
a particular deck ; and a frigate carrying 28 eighteen poun- 



NAVAL MONUMENT. 35 

tiers on her main deck, is regularly called by them a 38, 
which rate has frequently fifty-two mounted. 

There are on board the Constitution some of the Java's 
shot, from which it has^ been ascertained, that there is 
scarcely three pounds difference between her eighteens and 
the American twenty-fours, so called ; and that the thirty- 
two pound shot of the Java is heavier than the thirty-two 
pound shot of the Constitution. 

The officers of the Java, while on board the Constitution, 
mentioned, that this frigate was formerly the French ship 
La Renome, taken off Madagascar, May 20, 1811, in com- 
pany with La Neriede, after a severe action, by the Phoebe, 
Jlstrea and Galatea. At the time of capture, La Rcnomc 
mounted 44 guns — the British added five guns. 



HORNET AND BONNE CITOYENNE. 

Capt. Lawrence, while off the harbour of St. Salva- 
dor, in the Hornet, sent a challenge to Capt. Greene, of 
the Bonne Citoyenne, to try the superiority of their vessels 
in action ; which was conveyed through the American Con- 
sul, as follows : 

" When I last saw you, I stated to you my wish to meet 
the Bonne Citoyenne, and authorized you to make my wish 
known to Capt. Greene. I now request you to state to him, 
that I will meet him whenever he may be pleased to come 
out, and pledge my honour that neither the Constitution, 
nor any other American vessel shall interfere. 

" Commodore Bainbriclge, of the Constitution frigate, 
confirms to me (says the consul) the request of Capt. Law- 
rence, in these words : — " If Capt. Greene wishes to try 
equal force, / pledge my honour to give him an opportunity, 
by being out of the way or not interfering." 



S6 naval monument. 

The following letter from Mr. Frederick Landeman, the English 
Consul to the Jlmencan Consul, conveys Capt. Greene's reply to 
the challenge. 

Sir, «< Fort de St. Pedro, Dec. 29, 1812. 

I transmitted your letter to me, of yesterday, to Capt. P. 
B. Greene, to whom the substance is directed ; and, hav- 
ing received his reply, I herewith insert it verbatim. 

" I hasten to acknowledge the favour of your communi- 
cation, made to me this morning from Mr. Hill, consul to 
the United States of America, on the subject of a challenge, 
stated to have been offered through Mr. Hill, by Captain 
Lawrence, of the United States sloop of war the Hornet, to 
myself, as commander of his Britannic Majesty's ship the 
Bonne Citoycnne, anchored in this port, pledging his honour, 
as well as that of Commodore Bainbridge, that no advantage 
shall be taken by the Constitution or any other American 
vessel whatever on the occasion. I am convinced, sir, if 
such rencontre were to take place, the result could not be 
long dubious, and would terminate favourably to the ship 
which I have the honour to command ; but I am equally 
convinced that Commodore Bainbridge could not swerve so 
much from the paramount duty he owes to his country, as 
to become an inactive spectator, and see a ship, belonging to 
the very squadron under his orders, fall into the hands of 
an enemy ; this reason operates powerfully on my mind for 
not exposing the Bonne Citoyenne to a risk, upon terms so 
manifestly disadvantageous as those proposed by Commo- 
dore Bainbridge ; indeed, nothing could give me greater 
satisfaction than complying with the wishes of Captain 
Lawrence ; and I earnestly hope that chance will afford him 
an opportunity of meeting the Bonne Citoycnne under dif- 
ferent circumstances, to enable him to distinguish himself 
in the manner he is now so desirous of doing. I further as- 
sure you, that my ship will, at all time.-;, be prepared, wher- 
ever she maybe, to repel any attacks made against her, and 
I shall also act offensively, wherever I judge it proper to do 
SP,. I am, fir, with great regard, &c." 



NAVAL MONUMENT. 37 

HORNET AND PEACOCK. 

CAPT. LAWRENCE'S LETTER TO THE SECY OF THE NAVT 

U. S. ship Hornet, Holmes' 1 Hole, 
Sir, March 19, 1813. 

I have the honour to inform you of the arrival at this 
port of the United States ship Hornet, under my command, 
from a cruise of 145 days ; and to state to you, that after 
Commodore Bainbridge left the coast of Brazils, (Jan. 6) I 
continued off the harbour of St. Salvador, blockading the 
Bonne Citoyenne, until the 24th, when the Montague 74 hove 
in sight, and chased me into the harbour ; but night com- 
ing on, I wore and stood out to the southward. Knowing 
that she had left Rio Janeiro for the express purpose of re- 
lieving the Bonne Citoyenne and the packet, [which I had 
also blockaded for 14 days, and obliged her mail to go to 
Rio, in a Portuguese smack] I judged it most prudent to 
shift my cruising ground, and hauled by the wind to the 
eastward, with the view of cruising off Pernambuco, and 
on the 4th of February captured the English brig Resolu- 
tion, of 10 guns, from Rio Janeiro, bound to Morahnam, 
with coffee, jerked beef, flour, fustic, and butter, and about 
23,000 dollars in specie. As she sailed dull and I could not 
spare hands to manlier, I took out the money and set her on 
fire. I ran down the coast of Morahnam, and cruised there 
a short time : from thence ran off Surinam. After cruis- 
ing off that coast from the 15th to the 22d of Feb. without 
meeting a vessel, I stood for Demerara, with an intention, 
should I be fortunate on that station, to run through the 
West Indies, on my way to the United States. But, on the 
24th in the morning, I discovered a brig to the leeward, to 
which I gave chase ; ran into quarter less four, and not hav- 
ing a pilot, was obliged to haul off, the fort at the entrance 
of Demerara river at this time bearing S. W. distant about 
two and a half leagues. Previous to giving up the chase, 
I discovered a vessel at anchor without the bar, with En- 
glish colours flying, apparently a brig of war. In beating 
ToundCorobanoBank, in order to get at her, at half past 3 



38 NAVAL MONUMENT. 

P. M. discovered another sail on our weather quarter, edg- 
ing down for us. At 20 minutes past 4, she hoisted English 
colours, at which time we discovered her to be a large man- 
of-war brig — beat to quarters, cleared ship for action, and 
kept close by the wind, in order, if possible, to get the 
weather gage. At 10 minutes past 5, finding I could weath- 
er the enemy, I hoisted American colours and tacked. At 
25 minutes past 5, in passing each other, exchanged broad- 
sides within half pistol shot. Observing the enemy in the 
act of wearing, I bore up, received his starboard broadside, 
ran him close on board the starboard quarter, and kept up 
such a heavy and well directed fire, that in less than 15 min- 
utes he surrendered, being literally cut to pieces, and hoist- 
ed his ensign, union down, from his fore-rigging, as a signal 
of distress. Shortly after, his mainmast went by the board. 
Despatched Lieut. Shubrick on board, who soon returned 
with her first Lieut, who reported her to be his Britannic 
Majesty's late brig Peacock, commanded by Capt. William 
Peake, who fell in the latter part of the action ; that a num- 
ber of her crew were killed and wounded, and that she was 
sinking fast, having then six feet water in her hold. Des- 
patched the boats immediately for the wounded, and 
brought both vessels to anchor. Such shot holes as could 
be got at were then plugged up : her guns thrown over- 
board, and every possible exertion used to keep her afloat 
until the prisoners could be removed, by pumping and bail- 
ing, but without effect, as she unfortunately sunk in 5a 
fathoms water, carrying down 13 of her crew, and 3 of my 
brave fellows, viz : John Hart, Joseph Williams and Han- 
nibal Boyd ; Lieutenant Conner, Midshipman Cooper, and I 
the remainder of my men, employed in removing the pris- 
oners, with difficulty saved themselves, by jumping into ai 
boat that was lying on her booms as she went down. Four 
men, of the 13 mentioned, were so fortunate as to gain the 
fore top, and were afterwards taken off by the boats. Pre- 
vious to her going down, 4 of her men took the stern boat, 
that had been much damaged during the action, who, I 



NAVAL MONUMENT. 39 

sincerely hope, reached the shore in safety ; but from the 
heavy sea running at the time, the shattered state of the 
boat, and the difficulty of landing on the coast, I am fear- 
ful they were lost. I have not been able to ascertain from 
her officers the exact number killed. Capt. Peake and 4 
men were found dead on board. The master, and one mid- 
shipman, carpenter and captain's clerk, and 29 seamen were 
wounded ; most of them severely, 3 of them died of their 
wounds after being removed, and 9 drowned. Our loss 
was trifling in comparison. John Place, killed ; Samuel 
Coulson, and John Delyrumple severely wounded ; George 
Coffin and Lewis Todd severely burnt by the explosion of 
a cartridge. Todd survived only a few days. Our rig- 
ging and sails are much cut. One shot through the fore- 
mast ; and the bowsprit slightly injured. Our hull receiv- 
ed little or no damage. At the time I brought the Peacock 
to action, the L'Espiegle (the brig mentioned as being at an- 
chor) mounting sixteen 32 pound carronades and two long 
nines, lay about six miles in shore of me, and could plainly 
see the whole of the action* Apprehensive that she would 
beat out to the assistance of her consort, such exertions 
were made by my officers and crew repairing damages, &c. 
that by nine o'clock my boats were stowed away, new set 
of sails bent, and the ship completely ready for action. At 
2 A. M. got under way and stood by the wind to the north- 
ward and westward, under easy sail. 

On mustering next morning, found we had two hundred 
and seventy seven souls on board, including the crew of the 
American brig Hunter, of Portland, taken a few days since 
by the Peacock. As we had been on two thirds allowance of 
provisions, for some time, and had but 3,400 gallons of wa- 
ter on board, I reduced the allowance to three pints a man, 
and determined to make the best of my way to the United 
States. 

The Peacock was deservedly styled one of the finest ves- 
sels of her class in the British navy. I should judge her to 
be about the tonnage of the Hornet. Her beam was greater 



40 NAVAL MONUMENT. 

by five inches ; but her extreme length not so great by four 
feet. She mounted sixteen 24 pound carronades, two long- 
nines, one 12 pound carronade on her top-gallant forecastle, 
as a shifting gun, and one 4 or 6 pounder, and two swivels 
mounted aft. I find, by her quarter bill, that her crew 
consisted of 134 men, 4 of whom were absent in a prize. 

The cool and determined conduct of my officers and crew 
during the action, and their almost unexampled exertions 
afterwards, entitle them to my warmest acknowledgments, 
and I beg leave most earnestly to recommend them to the 
notice of government. 

By the indisposition of Lieut. Stewart, I was deprived 
of the services of an excellent officer. Had he been able to 
stand the deck, I am sure his exertions would not have been 
surpassed by any one on board. I should be doing injus- 
tice to the merits of Lieut. Shubrick, and acting Lieuten- 
ants Conner and Newton, were I not to recommend them 
particularly to your notice. Lieut. Shubrick was in the 
actions of the Guerriere and Java. Capt. Hull and Commo- 
dore Bainbridge can bear testimony of his coolness and good 
conduct on both occasions. I have the honour to be, sir, 

your obedient servant, 
Hon. Wm. Jones, JAMES LAWRENCE. 

Secretary of the navy. 

P. S. At the commencement of the action, my sailing- 
master and seven men were absent in a prize; and Lieut. 
Stewart and six men were on the sick list. As there is ev- 
ery prospect of the wind being to the eastward in the 
morning, T shall make the best of my way to New-York. 

Liberality of American tars. 

It is a fact worthy of note, and in the highest degree hon- 
ourable to our brave tars, that, the day preceding the des- 
truction of his Britannic Majesty's brig Peacock the crew of 
the Hornet made a subscription, and supplied the prisoners, 
who had lost almost every thing, with two shirts, a blue 
jacket and trowsers, each. 



NAVAL MONUMENT. 41 

Tribute of gratitude. 
Sir, Mw-York, March 27, 1813. 

We, the surviving officers of his Britannic Majesty's 
brig Peacock, beg leave to return you our grateful acknowl- 
edgments for the kind attention and hospitality we experi- 
enced during the time we remained on board the United 
States sloop Hornet. So much was done to alleviate the 
distressing and uncomfortable situation, in which we were 
placed when received on board the sloop you command, 
that we cannot better express our feelings, than by saying, 
"we ceased to consider ourselves prisoners," and every 
thing that friendship could dictate, was adopted by you, 
and the officers of the Hornet, to remedy the inconvenien- 
ces we should otherwise have experienced from the una- 
voidable loss of the whole of our property and clothes by 
the sudden sinking of the Peacock. 

Permit us then, sir, impressed, as we are, with a grateful 
sense of your kindness, for ourselves and the other officers 
and ship's company, to return you, and the officers of the 
Hornet, our sincere thanks, which we shall feel obliged, if 
you will communicate to them in our name, and believe us 
to remain with a high sense of the kind offices you have 
rendered us, 

your humble servants, 

F. A. WRIGHT, 1st Lieutenant. 
* C. LAMUERT, 2d Lieutenant. 
EDWARD LOTT, Master. 
I. WHITAKER, Surgeon. 
F. D. UN WIN, Purser. 
James Lawrence, Esq. 

Commander U. S. sloop Hornet. 
The demolition of the Peacock by the Hornet appears to 
have been a master-piece of American gunnery. When the 
Leopard, a 50 gun ship, attacked the Chesapeake of 36 guns, 
she poured her broadsides for nearly 20 minutes, without 
cessation, and close aboard, into an unresisting, cluttered 
and inferiour ship. Yet only three were killed, and a pro- 



42 NAVAL MONUMENT. 

portionate number wounded. The Wasp, in 43 minutes cut 
down the Frolic from 119 men to 20, capable of doing du- 
ty ; and the Hornet, in only 15 minutes, killed 9, wounded 
35, and totally shivered her superior antagonist to atoms ! 

CHESAPEAKE AND SHANNON. 
The following account of the capture oj the Chesapeake, appear- 
ed in a Boston newspaper on Friday, 4th June, 1813. 

On Tuesday forenoon, 1st of June, the British frigate 
Shannon, Capt. Broke, appeared off our harbour, and dis- 
played her colours. 

The United States frigate Chesapeake, Capt. Lawrence, 
was then at anchor, just below fort Independence. As soon 
as the enemy was seen, she fired a gun, and hoisted her col- 
ours. Preparations were immediately made for sailing, and 
when the officers had assembled on board, and the tide 
served, she got under way. The Shannon proceeded down 
the bay, the Chesapeake following under a press of sail. 

Spectators were collected on every place in Boston, 
which commanded a view of the sea, but the frigates pro- 
ceeded to the eastward till lost sight of from the town, and 
our citizens on shore were thereby spared the distress of 
witnessing the result, a pain which those had to encounter, 
who were spectators of the conflict in boats and vessels ; and 
from whom the particulars of the battle, as far as at present 
known here, are obtained. 

The Chesapeake had a colour at each mast head. That 
on the fore royal mast was white, and appeared to have 
some inscription on it. She was put under her topsails on 
approaching the enemy, fired a gun, and 10 or 12 minutes 
before 6 the cannonade became general and severe, and the 
Shannon experienced some injury in her spars and rigging, 
while the Chesapeake suffered no visible damage ; and ap- 
peared to have the advantage of her antagonist. About 6, 
the Chesapeake, which was to windward, ran on board the 
enemy, and the contest continued yard-arm to yard-arm. 
In about 5 minutes there was a great explosion on board 



NAVAL MONUMENT. 43 

the Chesapeake, but whether caused by accident, or any new 
combustible used by the enemy, is uncertain. Soon after 
the smoke thus caused had dispersed, the ships separated, 
and the English colour (a blue flag) was seen over the 
American ensign inverted ; and both vessels then stood to 
the eastward, undoubtedly for Halifax. From the manner 
in which the action was fought, neither of the frigates were 
essentially injured in their masts or rigging. 

We know not that any written challenge was received by 
Capt. Lawrence, but one intended for him reached Salem 
just after he sailed from Boston. If one was delivered on 
board the Chesapeake, duplicates were written. 

The Chesapeake was rated 36 guns, but we understand 
mounted 49, the Shannon was rated 38, but, it is said, moun- 
ted 52 — and was superiour in weight of metal. The num- 
ber of men probably about equal. The Chesapeake had 
been refitted for a cruise and was nearly ready for sea. 

Capt. Lawrence took the command of the Chesapeake a 
few days since. Some changes had also occurred in the 
other officers, and the 1st lieutenant was sick on shore.* 
For the same officers to be long associated, we should con- 
ceive an advantage. Many of the sailors were fresh re- 
cruits, and little or no opportunity had been afforded to 
discipline them, as the business of equipping the vessel for 
sea was not completed. The enemy, on the contrary, there 
is reason to believe, was prepared. All her officers and 
men had been for several months in the same relative situ- 
ations — the complement in each respect was full — and the 
seamen had had every chance of being thoroughly exercis- 

* Lieut. Octavius Augustus Page died at Boston, of the lung fever, on 
Friday the 4th of June, three days after the battle, aged 28. He was a 
son of the late Governor Page of Virginia, one of the oldest Lieutenants 
in the navy of the United States, and the 1st of the Chesapeake. This 
gentleman is deeply lamented as a brave and skilful officer. Capt. Law- 
rence deplored the necessity of proceeding to sea without him, and Lieut. 
Page, during his illness, seemed to forget his otvn eufterings in regret of his 
inability to rejoin his ship, and in anxiety for the fate of his gallant com- 
panions in aim?. 

% 



44 NAVAL MONUMENT. 

ed. From these circumstances Capt. Lawrence might, 
without impropriety, have delayed the interview, but he 
yielded to the impulse of his intrepid spirit as soon as he 
saw the foe, and whatever speculations there may be as to 
what would have been the mode of battle deserving prefer- 
ence (speaking after the event,) no one doubts the bravery 
of the commander, officers and crew, and that he did what 
he considered best. 

OFFICIAL ACCOUNT 

From Lieutenant Budd to the Secretary of the navy, dated 
Sir, Halifax, June 15, 1813. 

The unfortunate death of Capt. James Lawrence, and 
Lieut. Augustus C. Ludlow, has rendered it my duty to in- 
form you of the capture of the late United States frigate 
Chesapeake. 

On Tuesday June 1st, at 8 A. M. we unmoored ship, and 
at meridian got under way from President's roads, with a 
light wind from the southward and westward, and proceed- 
ed on a cruise. A ship was then in sight in the offing, 
which had the appearance of a ship of war, and which, 
from information received from pilot boats and craft, we 
believed to be the British frigate Shannon. We made sail 
in chase and cleared ship for action. At \ past 4 P. M. she 
hove to, with her head to the southward and eastward. At 
5 P. M. took in the royals and top-gallant sails, and at \ 
past 5 hauled the courses up. About 15 minutes before 6 
P. M. the action commenced within pistol shot. The first 
broadside did great execution on both sides, damaged our 
rigging, killed among others Mr. White, the sailing master, 
and wounded Capt. Lawrence. In about 12 minutes after 
the commencement of the action, we fell on board of the 
enemy, and immediately after, one of our arm chests on the 
quarter deck was blown up by a hand grenade, thrown 
from the enemy's ship. In a few minutes one of the Cap- 
tain's Aids came on the gun deck to inform me that the 
hoarders were called. I immediately called the boarders 



NAVAL MONUMENT. 45 

awa} r , and proceeded to the spar deck, where I found that 
the enemy had succeeded in boarding us, and had gained 
possession of our quarter deck. I immediately gave orders 
to haul on board the foretack, for the purpose of shooting 
the ship clear of the other, and then made an attempt to re- 
gain the quarter deck, but was wounded and thrown down 
on the gun deck. I again made an effort to collect the 
boarders, but in the mean time the enemy had gained com- 
plete possession of the ship. On my being carried down 
to the cockpit, I there found Capt. Lawrence and Lieut. 
Ludlow both mortally wounded ; the former had been car- 
ried below previously to the ship's being boarded ; the lat- 
ter was wounded in attempting to repel the boarders. 
Among those who fell early in the action was Mr. Edward 
J. Ballard, the 4th lieutenant, and Lieut. James Broom of 
marines. 

I herein enclose to you a return of the killed and wound- 
ed, by which you will perceive that every officer, upon 
whom the charge of the ship would devolve, was either 
killed or wounded previously to her capture. The enemy 
report the loss of Mr. Watt, their 1st lieutenant ; the pur- 
ser ; the captain's clerk, and 23 seamen killed ; and Capt. 
Broke, a midshipman, and 56 seamen wounded. 

The Shannon had, in addition to her full complement, an 
officer and 16 men belonging to the Belle Poule, and a part 
of the crew belonging to the Tenedoes. 

I have the honour to be, with very great respect, &c. 
Hon. Wm. Jones, GEORGE BUDD. 

Sec'y of Navy. 

Killed — Edw. J. Ballard, acting lieutenant ; James 
Broom, 1st lieutenant of marines ; Wm. A. White, sailing 
master ; Pollard Hopewell, midshipman ; John Evans do.; 
Courtland Livingston, do. ; Daniel Burnham, quarter mas- 
ter ; James Woodbury do. ; Michael Kelly, quarter gunner ; 
John Carter, boatswain's mate. 

Seamen — Henry H. Munroe, Abraham Cox, Sterling 
Clark, Alexander Marino, Thomas Evans, John Miller, 



46 NAVAL MONUMENT. 

Daniel Martin, Robert Bates, William Russel, Harris Ball, 
Andrew Williams, Joseph Simmonds, John W. Duggan, 
David Bias, Josiah Shatfield, John Philips, Benj. Esday, 
John Reed 2d, Samuel Mullen, Michael Sawyer, Jas. Bet- 
ton, John Crabb, Samuel M. Perkins, Joseph Judith, John 
Jones, Christopher Houstan. 

Marines — Thomas Wheaton, Benjamin Morrison, John 
Mulligan, John German, John Huntress, James Trainor, 
Jacob Preston, Philip Bryant, Redmond Barry, Robert 
Standley, Delany Ward. 

Wounded — James Lawrence, Esq. captain (since deceas- 
ed :) Aug. C. Ludlow, lieutenant, (since deceased ;) Geo. 
Budd, lieutenant, Win. Cox, acting do.; Samuel Liver- 
more, acting chaplain ; Francis Nichols, Walter Abbot, 
Wm. A Weaver, Edmund M. Russell, Win, Barry, mid- 
shipmen. Peter Adams, boatswain, (since dead ;) Jefferson 
Griffith, quarter^ master ; James A. Lewis, quarter master; 
Forbes Dela, quarter gunner, (since dead ;) Samuel Hutson, 
sail maker's mate ; Thomas Finnagan, gunner's yeoman ; 
Thomas Smith 2d, quarter gunner ; John Veazy, do.; John 
Giles, do.; Thomas Rouse, do.; and Thomas Jackson 2d, 
quarter master. 

Seamen — James Sprout, Sylvester Stacy, John Appleton, 
Peter Quantin, James Butler, John Johnson, John Peterson, 
Thomas Sterling, Peter John, Jehu Smith, Joseph Weyland, 
Francis Symonds, (since dead,) John Brice, Eliphalet Carr, 
Thomas Flanagan, John Hodgeman, (since dead,) Francis 
Franklin, Henry Hyde, Alexander Grant, Enoch Hackett, 
Andrew Mercer, John Tallman, James Parker, Ebenezer 
Day, Giles Cone, (since dead,) Andrew Vandesnau, Derby 
Lee, (since dead,) John Hunt, (do.) Rolla Peters, Robert 
May, Joseph Vaughan, John Devo, (since dead,) Noel Dear- 
born, John Rollins, Charles Sargent, Wm. Metcalf, Charles 
Thompson, Abraham Richardson, James Durfee, Lewis 
Hanscom, (since dead,) Wm. Hubans, Benj. Sumner, Wm. 
M'Cafforty, Marcus Mansel, (since dead,) John Dezink, 
John Petusiwing, Wm. Peterson, Wm. Stewart, Asa New- 



NAVAL MONUMENT. 47 

hall, Alexander Brown, Matthias Douglas, John M'Neal, 
(since dead,) John Crutchett, Thomas Jones 2d, John 
Caldwell, Wm. Gardiner, and John Kegan. 

Marines — Sergeants, John Twiss, Win. Harris ; corporal, 
Wm. Dixon, (since dead ;) privates, Richard Hoffman, Jas. 
Brown, Joseph Twiss, Geo. Upham, John Crippen, Samuel 
Jackson, John Johnson, John Wright, Miles Morris, Mat- 
thias Woolberry, Warren Fogg, Thomas Johnson, George 
Clyne, Joseph Crane, Wm. Lewis, John Livre, and John 
Brady. 

Killed 47 ; wounded 99 ; wounded, since dead, 14. 

The British return states the loss of the Shannon to be 27 
killed and 58 wounded. 

FUNERAL OF CAPTAIN LAWRENCE, 

The following orders were issued the day previous to the 
funeral : — 

GARRISON ORDERS, 

Halifax 1th June, 1815, 
A funeral party will be furnished to-morrow, by the 64th 
regiment, consisting the 300 rank and file, with a proper 
proportion of officers, and to be supplied with three rounds 
of blank cartridges each man ; to inter the remains of 
Capt. Lawrence, late of the American frigate Chesapeake, 
from the King's Wharf, at § past 1 o'clock, P. M. 

The band of that corps will attend, and the party will 
be commanded by Lieut. Col. Sir J. Wardlow. 

The officers of the garrison will be pleased to attend the 
commandant there, at | before 2, to inarch in procession, 
wearing a piece of black crape round their left arm. 

(Signed) F. T. THOMAS, 

Major of Brigade. 

NAVY ORDER. 

The body of the commander of the late United States 
frigate Chesapeake, will be interred to-morrow at 2 o'clock. 
The captains and commanders, with a portion of lieuten- 
ants and midshipmen, agreeably to the following order of 



48 NAVAL MONUMENT. 

procession, will attend the funeral, and will assemble pre- 
cisely at 1 o'clock along side of the Chesapeake, for that pur- 
pose. 

THOMAS M. CAPEL, 

Capt. and senior officer at Halifax. 

ORDER OF PROCESSION FROM THE SHIP. 



Pall bearers 




Pall bearers 


Abreast of the corpse. 
Capt. Baker, 


■ 

O 

n 


Abreast of the corpse 

Capt. Head, 


Pearse, 


Perchel, 




H 




Collier, 


Blyte. 



Boats two and two, with midshipmen and liewtenants, 
commanders or lieutenants commanding vessels. 

Commanders. 
Post captains. 

ORDER OF PROCESSION ON SHORE. 

Funeral firing party. 

C TTip } 

Pall bearers < \ Pall bearers. 

I BODY \ 

Officers of Privateers. 
American naval officers. 
English naval officers. ■ 
Midshipmen. 
Lieutenants. 
Officers of garrison according to rank. 
Post captains. 
Staff officers. 
General and Senior officers. 
The respect due to a brave enemy was yesterday shewn 
to the remains of Capt. Lawrence. — The corpse was land- 



NAVAL MONUMENT. 4i> 

ed from the Chesapeake, under a discharge of minute guns, 
and at 2 o'clock reached the King's wharf— the American 
ensign was spread as a pall over the coffin, on which was 
placed the sword of the deceased — six captains of the navy- 
officiated as pall-bearers — six companies of the 64th regi- 
ment, commanded by Sir John Wardlow, preceded the 
corpse — the officers of the Chesapeake followed it as mour- 
ners — the officers of the navy generally attended — Sir 
Thomas Saumarcz, the staff, and officers of the garrison — 
and the procession was closed by a number of respectable in- 
habitants. — The funeral service was performed by the Rev. 
Rector of .St. Paul's, and three vollies discharged by the 
troops over the grave. 

EXTRACT OE A LETTER. 

June 19, 1813. 
" I suppose the newspapers and letters sent from Halifax, 
by such of the officers, whose wounds would permit them 
to write, will give you all the particulars of the loss of our 
frigate Chesapeake, which had arrived there. She came in 
eight or nine miles ahead of the Shannon, and appeared to 
out-sail her fast. When she saluted one of the forts six 
miles from the town, and shewed the English over the 
American colours, the Halifax people thought it was the 
President, a prize, and there was a general shout. But I 
undeceived all whom I could speak to, as I knew the ship ; 
and when they found it to be the Chesapeake, and that her 
captain was dead, not a huzza was heard, except I believe on 
board a brig. I was near La Hogue, a 74, and am certain 
her crew did not cheer. Capt. Lawrence was highly re- 
spected for his humanity to the crew of the Peacock ; and 
marks of real grief were seen in the countenances of all the 
inhabitants I had a chance to see. I can say truly, that all 
appeared to lament his death ; and I heard several say, 
they considered the blood which had been shed on the 
Chesapeake's deck as dear as that of their own countrymen. 
They also speak against the war as cruel and unnatural; and 

9 



50 NAVAL MONUMENT. 

hope the States will not comperthem to continue it. I saw 
three mahogany coffins carried on board the Chesapeake the 
day of the funeral. In one of them Capt. Lawrence was 
placed, and the coffins put into a twelve-oared barge,which 
rowed minute strokes, followed by a procession of boats.— 
The corpse was received at the king's wharf, by a regiment 
of troops, and a full band of music. Six of the oldest na- 
vy captains carried the pall, which was one of the colors of 
the Chesapeake ; which they said was considered a particu- 
lar mark of respect by naval men, as it was a token that he 
had defended his colours bravely, and that at his tombthey 
should not be separated from him. The procession was ve- 
ry long, and every thing was conducted in the most solemn 
and respectful manner and the w r ounded officers of both 
nations, who followed in the procession, made the scene ve- 
ry affecting. I never attended a funeral in my life when 
my feelings were so much struck. There was not the least 
mark of exultation that I saw, even among the commonest 
people. 

The Shannon received five or six shots in her hull, near 
wind and water, but they were stopped and leaded. She 
was lying in the harbour, and they were overhauling and 
shifting her rigging. They expected to get her to sea 
shortly. 

Capt. Broke and Capt. Lawrence were both delirious from 
their wounds ; and the ships were both brought in by very 
young officers. Capt. Broke we considered as very dan- 
gerously wounded, having his head cut from the top to near 
his mouth by the ear. When Capt. Lawrence could speak, 
he would say, ' Don't give up the ship.' He was first 
wounded in the leg, which bled much, and weakened him ; 
but he would not be carried below ; when he received a 
grape shot in the lower part of his belly, of which he died. 
Capt. Broke was stated to have received his wound in 
stooping down, trying to save the life of one of the Chesa- 
peake's crew, which one of his own men was masgling, and 
whose head he cut off." 



NAVAL MONUMENT. 51 

Shortly alter the fate of the Chesapeake and her brave 
defenders was known in the United States, B. W. Crownin- 
shield Esq. of Salem, solicited the American government for 
permission to sail with a flag of truce to Halifax, for the 
purpose of obtaining the entombed bodies of Capt. Law- 
rence and Lieut. Ludlow : the permission being granted, 
Mr. Crowninshield sailed in a vessel, manned by himself and 
10 other masters of vessels, and on application to the British 
admiral, commanding on that station, obtained the object 
of his request. On their arrival at Salem the funeral obse- 
quies of the brave deceased were again celebrated in the 
most solemn and impressive manner. 

Business was suspended, and the whole town was crowd- 
ed either to perforin or to witness the funeral honours to 
the fallen heroes. About noon the bodies were removed 
from the cartel Henry, accompanied by eight boats, manned 
by sailors in uniform, rowing minute-strokes ; the cartel 
brig and the U. S. brig of war Rattlesnake, Capt. Creighten, 
firing minute guns during their passage. The bodies were 
landed, and the coffins placed on hearses, which were lent 
by the Board of Health of Boston ; the U. S. flag covering 
the hearses. At one o'clock the procession, consisting of 
the officers of the U. S. navy and army, the clergy of all 
denominations, the different corporate bodies, the several 
marine societies, together with citizens and strangers from 
Boston and the vicinity, moved under the escort of the el- 
egant company of light infantry, commanded by Cap'c. J. 
C. King. Minute guns were fired during the whole pro- 
cession by the Salem artillery, under Capt. Peabody, which 
was stationed on Washington-Square. The movement was 
deeply impressive. The sides of the streets were crowded, 
and the windows were filled with spectators, and many were 
on the tops of houses. The tolling of the deep toned bells 
— the solemn melody of themusick — the slow and melan- 
choly-inspiring pace of the procession — the appearance of 
the sable coffins with their accompaniments — and the awe- 
striking report of tlie minute guns, rendered the whole a 



h2 NATAL MONUMENT. 

scene of solemn woe. Two hours elapsed while the pro* 
cession was moving to the church ; and the multitude was 
so great, that a small part only could be accommodated to 
hear the Eulogy by the Hon. Judge Story. After the ora- 
tor had concluded, the bodies were entombed with the cus- 
tomary military and masonic ceremonies. The church was 
shrouded in the sable habiliments of woe, and the sacred 
services of religion, and the musick, were appropriate. 

During the day, our own, as well as the neutral merchant 
vessels in the harbour wore their colours at half mast. 

In the procession were several officers of high military 
rank — Maj. Gen. H. Dearborn, Brig. Gen. T. H. Cushing, 
&c. 

We have understood that the remains are to be re-em- 
barked in the cartel Henry, and carried to New- York, and 
there to be at the disposal of their respective relatives. 

A great number of the citizens of Boston attended the 
funeral rites in Salem. Minute guns were fired at 1 o'clock, 
and the fla,<rs were displayed half-mast from the frigate Con- 
stitution, the vessels in the harbour, the forts, gun-houses, 
and p^blie buildings. A company of artillery left town 
lor Salem on Sunday evening, to assist in the funeral honors. 
Their remains were soon after conveyed to New York, 
where a procession was formed, which, with the spectators, 
it is supposed, amounted to fifty thousand. The burial ser- 
vice was once more performed, and the dead committed to 
the tomb. 

LOSS OF LAWRENCE AND THE CHESAPEAKE. 

" Pro Patria." 

Of the sea-fight in the time of the Commonwealth, it is 
said, by a British historian, " that Blake, who was victor, 
gained not more honor than Tromp, who was vanquished." 
The remark is alike true of the recent engagement. The 
perseverance of Broke was equalled by the promptness of 
Lawrence. This vessel was met the instant it was ascer- 
tained there was no other to meet. His very first move- 



NAVAL MONUMENT. fi3 

ment was announced to the foe, -who, in plain sight, was 
challenging battle and cruising defiance. His going into ac- 
tion was to be full as gallant as his reception. But he met 
his fate in the first ball. " Give not up the ship," he said, 
and fell, no officer unwounded near, to bear him up in his 
fall. He cared only for victory and his country ; never 
for life. 

No restlessness for battle betrayed him into action. He 
had fought and conquered ; had realized the glory of vic- 
tory, and helped to establish the honour of his country. 
Not to go out would be an acknowledgment of victory. 
The result of a meeting could be no more. True, she had 
a crew picked from the squadron. But were not American 
seamen equal to any ? Her captain and men well known to 
each other. Can mine want confidence in me r Has she 
not been long upon the cruise, and preparing for the pur- 
pose ? What then ? Are we not always ready ? And 
what if she be the better sailer ? The challenger will not 
dare to retreat ; and I shall willingly spare him the trouble 
of pursuit. 

The die was cast ; and let those event-enlightened reason- 
ers who have now the presumption to think it was then cast 
in rashness, ask themselves the question, what they would 
not have said, and what others would not have said, had 
the Chesapeake to this hour remained in port, supinely at an- 
chor, beholding the British flag, day by day, cross and re- 
cross the harbour, waving, triumphantly, from a frigate 
not so decidedly her superior, as to be deemed generally 
much more than a match. As for Lawrence, if he had had 
"forty thousand lives," he would have thought the loss of 
all was gain to the surviving such a sight. 

If not rash in going out, still less can this imputation be 
cast upon his commencing the battle. He was not only so 
eautious as not to waste a single ball at a fruitless distance ; 
but so gloriously collected as to hold himself in reserve, 
and receive his enemy's successive fires, until within mus- 
ket shot he was able to pour in his whole broadside at once. 



54 NAVAL MONUMENT. 

To what then was owing the sudden termination of this 
deadly conflict? Not indeed to an explosion that swept 
the deck of its officers. Mistaking only the cause, never 
was conjecture more fatally right as to the effect. The cap- 
tain, every lieutenant without exception, officers of mar- 
ines, many of the midshipmen, the sailing master, the boat- 
swain, were all, early in the action, levelled with the deck ; 
and at the precise point of time, when it was most of all im- 
portant that the Chesapeake should gain a particular position, 
at the instant of boarding, the loss of an essential part off 
her rigging threw her into the wind, and gave to the ene- 
my the decisive advantage. The desperation not over, 
Broke now led his boarders ; an effort, Lawrence doubtless 
had equalled, but for his previous disability ; and had prob- 
ably made his adversary bitterly repent his daring temeri- 
ty. Nothing is farther than blame from any single officer 
on board. Ludlow, the 1st lieutenant, received three balls 
in the fight, and has since carried them to the grave. Eve- 
ry man did his duty. The enemy have gained a battle, in 
which it may be said, without disparagement to their prow- 
ess, that certainly their valour and their skill could not 
have been greater than was their good fortune. We grudge 
them not the only laurel [they have won. Under these cir- 
cumstances, were it not deeply drenched in the blood of her 
sons, our country could say to the enemy, " take it, and! 
welcome." 

Most probably the annals of the world may in vain be 
challenged to furnish another instance of so short an engage- 
ment, and on each side such tremendous execution. 

Capt. Lawrence, at the time of his death, had been near 
ly sixteen years in the service, with only one furlough, and I 
that of six weeks. In September, 1798, he entered as mid- 
shipman ; and in two years was promoted to an acting lieu- 
tenant in the Mams, Capt. Robinson, in which capacity he 
continued, till the reduction of the navy ; an event which 
alone prevented his appointment being confirmed. He K 
however, was not to remain midshipman long. In the war 



NAVAL MONUMENT. 65 

with Tripoli he was promoted to a lieutenancy, and was or- 
iginally the 1st officer of the Enterprize, but afterwards re- 
moved to the John Mams. He signalized himself in this 
memorable warfare by volunteering as first lieutenant, with 
about seventy men and Decatur in the ketch Intrepid of 4 
guns, to destroy the Philadelphia, of 44, in the harbour of 
Tripoli, and at the very mouth of the Bashaw's cannon. 
He returned to this country with Preble ; and to Tripoli as 
commander of gun boat No. 6. Nearly five years in all he 
served against the Turks ; and was afterwards constantly 
eno-aced ; in the Constitution as 1st lieutenant — and in the 
Vixen, Wasp, Jlrgus and Hornet, as commander. His first 
cruise the present war was under Commodore Rodgers ; and 
we all remember what interest his countrymen took in that 
remonstrance, temperate, yet firm, which he made so imme- 
diately after his return, against the unprecedented promotion 
of the gallant Morris, and in which he contrived, with del- 
icacy and spirit, at once to save the feelings of a brother, 
and to vindicate his own. Under the countenance of Rod- 
gers and of Bainbridge he urged his appeal, but left it to its 
fate, and sailed with the latter upon that brilliant cruise 
which eventuated so gloriously to his country, his com- 
mander and himself. Of the right and fitness of challeng- 
ing in a public war and at sea, we have no doubt. This 
whole business of naval warfare, incalculable as it is in its 
importance to a commercial nation, is yet a strife only for 
glory. It is not to enrich or augment one fleet at the ex- 
pense of another ; to support a country by spoils,or extend 
empire by the conquest of ships. It is a contest for superi- 
ority, a mere struggle for distinction ; and the opportunity, 
which cannot otherwise be met, may very fairly be sought. 
But let those refined minds, those nicely scrupulous souls, 
who quarrel upon principle with the right of challenge, 
consider how Lawrence was circumstanced ; aud either 
withhold their censure, in this instance at least, from his 
challenge to the Bonne Citoyenne, or avow, at once, their 
utter unwillingness to pardon any thing to " poor human 



56 NAVAL MONUMENT, 

nature.'' He had left a country, which he had certainly 
reason to distrust as regardless of his claims, and when he 
was as yet uncertain what was their fate. Unless those 
claims were answered, he was publickly pledged to go into 
retirement on his return, to the minds of some men perhaps 
with doubtful dignity, to the forfeiture of his only object in 
life, and to the rendering utterly useless all his habits of 
living. To this, however, he was equal. But " a wound- 
ed spirit who can bear ?" The Bonne Citoyenne however 
did not come out ; and as far as may be inferred from the 
fate of the Peacock, a vessel equal in force to the Bonne Cit- 
oyenne, there was no rashness in giving this challenge, since, 
had she come out, her fate, in all human probability, had 
been the same. But she saved her money and lost her cred- 
it. The challenge declined was pronounced by high au- 
thority " a victory gained." But the character of James 
Lawrence was not to be left to any constructive victory, 
however fair the construction. On his way home lie fell in 
with the Peacock, which in less than 15* minutes he com- 
pelled to make signs of distress as her signal for surrender ; 
and, to his eternal honour be it recorded, lost more men in 
saving, than in conquering the enemy. One man only was 
killed in the battle. Three of his " brave fellows" went 
down in attempting to save the vanquished from the sink- 
ing vessel. 

It is with delight the most exquisite ; with pleasure the 
most elevated ; that we dwell upon incidents like these, 
which have invariably characterized all our naval achieve- 
ments. Truly our ocean heroes are humanely glorious. 
Such has been their humanity, it is difficult to say, wheth- 

* It is said that Capt. L. stated in conversation, on his last visit to this > 
jtown, thut the interval between firing his first shot and the Peacock's hoist- 
ng her flag, union down, was only 11 minutes by the watch ; but as his 
clerk had got it down 15, he thought that time short enough, and would 
not correct it. This certainly justified the statement in the Halifax papers, 
« ' that a vessel, moored for the purpose of experiment, could not b.ar« 
been sunk sooner." 



NAVAL MONUMENT. 57 

er the enemy have more of dread of their valour as war- 
rious, or of admiration at their magnanimity as victors. 

This engagement with the Peacock has been pronounced 
Ly Lieut. Ludlow, whom we name with pride, and certain- 
ly not. without sympathy, not to have been surpassed " for 
brilliancy of design and boldness of execution," by any of 
all the bold and brilliant events, that at sea have distin- 
guished this war. 

Capt. Lawrence was as amiable in his private, as he was 
admirable in his professional life.* The domestic were in 
the same circle with the ocean virtues, each heightening the 
charm of the others. As a husband, such was the ardour 
of his affection, that there is a sacredness in the griefs of 
the chief mourner of his country upon which we dare not 
suffer even our sympathies abruptly to intrude. As a Chris- 
tian, his proof of faith in our Father in Heaven was love 
to every brother upon earth. Reduced foreigners in our 
own metropolis realized the munificence of his private 
charity. As a companion, he looked on you only to smile, 
and with that blandness which is characteristic of child-like 
simplicity. If in him the gentleman forgot not the sailor, 
the sailor certainly ever remembered the gentleman. As a 
citizen, believing order to be " heaven's first law," and con- 
tent with filling up completely his own department, he left 
to civilians the civil. To political opinions he had howev- 
er a rio-ht, which he exercised without disguise. But satis- 
fied that it must forever be patriotism to fight for one's 
country, he desired no better naval creed than Blake's under 
Cromwell. " It is still our duty to fight for our country, into 
what hands soever the government may fall" 

The funeral solemnities of Capt. Lawrence took place 
abroad. 

* With a heart of a most magnanimous texture, the lamented Lawrence 

took under his particular care a youth, whose father being killed in the 

Peacock, was left an orphan, bereaved of parents, and had it not been for 

our hero, would have been left in his tender years exposed to the shocks of 

a boisterous world. 

10 



58 NAVAL MONUMENT. 

' By strangers honoured and by strangers motirn'd .'* 

His enemies were his mourners ; or rather the enemies 
of his country ; for personal enemies Lawrence had none. 
The tears of Britons evinced how much rather they would 
have shewn homage to his person, than respectful attention 
to his remains. That flag, from which he had parted but 
with life, was restored to him in death. 

" His signal once, but now his shroud !"* 

The publication of the subsequent is due to the memory 
of the heroes, who on that disastrous day, so gallantly sac- 
rificed their lives for their country. 

The members of the court were Com. Bainbridge, and 
Captains Hull and Smith, names indentified with chivalry, 
and dear to Americans ; and their report contains the only 
authentic account of the engagement with the Shannon. 

Capt. Lawrence's sailing orders were peremptory ; and 
when the enemy hove in sight, the Chesapeake's crew were 
mutinous, on account of the non-payment of their prize- 
money. The commander could not have disobeyed his or- 
ders with impunity ; and mutiny was to be overawed by 
energy. He passed the day in preparation for action, and 
in the encouragement of his men ; and before night-fall, 
the whole ship was animated with his heroic soul. 

The unexampled destruction of the Guerriere was accom- 
plished in less than 18 minutes, and the vanquished ship 
had 63 killed and wounded. One third more metal is 
thrown by the Constitution'' s than the Chesapeake' 's broadside ; 

* We would have every opportunity improved of being just to an enemy. 
As Capt. Broke had not his senses till after his arrival at Halifax ; and as 
his 1st lieutenant was killed in the action, the command of two frigates 
devolving upon a 2d lieutenant at a time, when the precise extent of the 
injury to either could not be ascertained, and when each was a sort of hu- 
man slaughter house ; his paramount, if not his only duty was to make the 
best of his way to Halifax, especially as Capt. Lawrence was so badly 
wounded, that his end might have been accelerated by any attempt at re- 
moving him out of the vessel. The utmost then in their power to do in this 
case, has been done, and done well. 



NAVAL MONUMENT. 59 

and the Shannon was so cut in her hull, by eight minutes' 
broadsiding, that it was with difficulty she could be kept 
afloat during the night ; and she numbered 88 killed and 
wounded. It has been truly remarked, " that the world 
never witnessed so destructive a fire from so limited abroad- 
side in so short a space." Lawrence fell ! and the remain- 
der of the fight, if fight it may be called, was as disgrace- 
ful as the first eight minutes were brilliant. The moment 
after Capt. Lawrence was carried below, Capt. Broke 
boarded our quarter deck at the head of 20 men. Nothing 
but desperation could have prompted or justified the meas- 
ure. Lieut. Budd, the senior officer, had now gained the 
spar deck, where there were, with those who had come up, 
from 60 to 75 well men. No attempt was made to bring 
more men from the gun-deck, and none on the spar deck to 
rally the men and charge the boarders. This melancholy 
pause continued, as Mr. Budd has testified, 3 minutes. In 
the mean time, Capt. Broke, without making any attack, 
had collected near 100 men, and proceeded to the attack on 
the starboard side of the ship. Mr. Budd now perceived a 
British uniform, and concluded that the men on the quarter 
deck were the enemy, at whose approach our men fled to 
the forecastle, precipitated themselves through the fore 
hatchway to the gun-deck, and from thence to the birth- 
deck, without an effort to prevent them. A few only of 
the enemy were killed or wounded by involuntary and acci- 
dental blows, and the fire from the tops ; and he continued 
his unresisted havoc, till not a man was left on either deck. 
Although Lawrence was prostrate, his soul Was in arms. 
From the cockpit he issued his memorable orders — " keep 
the guns going" — " fight her till she strikes or sinks" — and 
when he knew that the enemy had carried the spar deck, 
he sent the emphatic message to the gun-deck, " don't give 
up the ship." When he was apprised of the issue, he only 
remarked, " then the officers of the deck hav'nt toed the 
mark — the Shannon was whip'd when I left." 



60 NAVAIL MONUMENT. 

The officer-like conduct of this gallant martyr, on this 
day, has been impeached by some of the survivors of that 
dreadful conflict. The inevitable disadvantages under 
which he fought a superior ship, perfectly prepared ; the 
chivalry with which he courted the contest ; and the bril- 
liancy of it before he fell, should alone rescue his memory 
from censure. Cruel sacrilege to profane the sanctuary of 
the tomb to shield living defection from merited disgrace ! 
Every witness upon the court-martial, under a close cross- 
examination, not only repelled the foul slander, but deci- 
dedly established his high character as a commander. 

In a very unreserved conversation, Com. Decatur, with 
whom Capt. Lawrence had served much, was asked, "wheth- 
er his intrinsic merit as an officer, justified the enthusiastic 
veneration in which the nation held his memory ?" After 
a short pause he answered, " yes, sir, it did ; and the fellow 
died as well as he lived ; but it is a part of a soldier's life 
to die well. He had no talk ; but he inspired all about him 
with ardour : he always saw the best thing to be done ; he 
knew the best way to execute it ; and had no more dodge 
in him than the mainmast." Laudatum est, a laudato viro. 
This vindication is due to the ashes of the inured patriot. 

When the ill starred fortunes of this ship are recalled to 
memory ; when we recollect that her deck was the death 
scene of our favourite hero, with victory almost in his 
grasp, we involuntarily adopt the language of Milton's mon- 
ody upon his shipwrecked friend : — 

" It was that fatal and perfidious bark ; 

" Built in the eclipse ; and rigged with curses dark ; 

"That sunk so low that sacred head of thine ;" 

REPORT. 

The court are unanimously of opinion, that the Chesa- 
peake was gallantly carried into action by her late brave 
commander ; and no doubt rests with the court from com- 
parison of the injury respectively sustained by the frigates, 
that the fire of the Chesapeake was much superior to that of 



NAVAL MONUMENT. 61 

the Shannon. The Shannon being much cut in her spars 
and rigging, and receiving many shot in and below the wa- 
ter line, was reduced almost to a sinking condition, after 
only a few minutes cannonading from the Chesapeake ; while 
the Chesapeake was comparatively uninjured. And the 
court have no doubt, if the Chesapeake had not accidental- 
ly fallen on board the Shannon, and the Shannon's anchor 
got foul in the after quarter port of the Chesapeake, the 
Shannon must have very soon surrendered or sunk. 

It appears to the court, that as the ships were getting foul, 
Capt. Lawrence ordered the boarders to be called ; but the 
bugle man, Wm. Brown, stationed to call the boarders by 
sounding a bugle, had deserted his quarters, and when dis- 
covered and ordered to call, was unable, from fright, to 
sound his horn ; that midshipmen went below immediately 
to pass the word for the boarders ; but not being called in 
the way they had been usually exercised, few came upon 
the upper deck' ; confusion prevailed ; a greater part of the 
men deserted their quarters, and ran below. It appears al- 
so to the court, that when the Shannon got foul of the Ches- 
apeake, Capt. Lawrence, his 1st lieutenant, the sailing mas- 
ter, and lieutenant of marines were all killed or mortally 
wounded, and thereby the upper deck of the Chesapeake 
was left without any commanding officer, and with only 
one or two young midshipmen. It also appears to the 
court, that previously to the ships getting foul, many of 
the Chesapeake's spar deck division had been killed and 
wounded, and the number stationed on that deck thereby 
considerably reduced ; that these being left without a com- 
missioned officer, or even a warrant officer, except one or 
two inexperienced midshipmen, and not being supported by 
the boarders from the gun deck, almost universally desert- 
ed their quarters. And the enemy, availing himself of this 
defenceless state of the Chesapeake's upper deck, boarded 
and obtained possession of the ship with very little opposi- 
tion. 



62 NAVAL MONUMENT. 

From this view of the engagement and careful examina- 
tion of the evidence, the court are unanimously of opinion, 
that the capture of the late United States frigate Chesapeake., 
was occasioned by the following causes ; the almost unex- 
ampled early fall of Capt. Lawrence, and all the principal 
officers ; the bugleman's desertion of his quarters, and in- 
ability to sound his horn ; for the court are of opinion if the 
horn had been sounded when first ordered, the men being 
then at their quarters, the boarders would have promptly 
repaired to the spar deck, probably have prevented the en- 
emy from boarding — certainly have repelled them, and 
might have returned the boarding with success ; and the 
failure of the boarders on both decks to rally on the spar 
deck, after the enemy had boarded, which might have been 
done successfully, it is believed from the cautious manner 
in which the enemy came on board. 

The court cannot, however, perceive in this almost 
unexampled concurrence of disastrous circumstances that 
the national flag has suffered any dishonour from the 
capture of the United States frigate Chesapeake, by the 
superior force of the British frigate Shannon, of 52 car- 
riage guns, and 396 men. Nor do this court apprehend 
that the result of this engagement will in the least discour- 
age our brave seamen from meeting the enemy hereafter on 
equal terms. 

The court being also charged to inquire into the conduct 
of the officers and men during and after the engagement, 
and thereupon having strictly examined and maturely con- 
sidered the evidence as recorded, do find the following cau- 
ses of complaint: 

First. Against Lieut. Cox ; that being stationed in com- 
mand of the second division on the main deck, he left his 
division during the action, while his men were at their 
quarters, and went upon the upper deck ; that when there 
and the enemy boarding, or on the point of boarding, he 
left the deck to assist Capt. Lawrence below, went down 
with him from the spar deck to the birth deck ; did not 



NAVAL MONUMENT. 6S 

return to his division, but went forward on the gun deck ; 
that while here and the men retreating below,, he com- 
manded them to go to their duty without enforcing his 
commands. But as a court of inquiry allows an accused 
person no opportunity of vindicating his conduct, the 
members of this court trust that their opinion on the con- 
duct of Lieut. Cox, may not be deemed conclusive against 
him, without trial by court martial. 

Second. Against Midshipman Forrest ; that he left his 
quarters during the action, and did not return to them, and 
now assigns no reason for his conduct satisfactory^ this 
court. 

Third. Against MidshipTman Freshman ; that he behav- 
ed in an unofficer-like manner at Halifax, assuming a false 
name at the office of commissary of prisoners, when ob- 
taining his parole, and was paroled by the name of William 
Brown. 

Fourth. Against the crew generally ; that they desert- 
ed their quarters, and ran below after the ships were foul, 
and the enemy boarded. But it appearing that they behav- 
ed well at their quarters before, and fired on the enemy 
with great rapidity and precision, the court ascribe their 
misconduct to the confusion naturally incident to the early 
loss of their officers, and the omission of the call of board- 
ers in the accustomed manner. 

Yet this court is very far from exculpating those who are 
thus criminal. It is unable to designate by name all the in- 
dividuals who thus abandoned their duty, because most of 
the officers had recently joined the ship, some only a few 
days preceding the engagement, and of course could not 
distinguish the men. The court, therefore, respectfully 
submit to higher authority, the expediency of withholding 
the wages of the crew. The persons whom the court are 
able to designate by name, as deserters from their stations, 
are William Brown, bugleman, Joseph Russel, captain of 
second gun, Peter Frost and John Joyce, seamen. 



64 NAVAL MONUMENT. 

The court further find, that the following persons entered 
the British serviceat Halifax, viz. Henry Ensign, Peter 
John, Andrew Simpson, Peter Langrun, Magness Sparring, 
Joseph Galla, Martin Anderson, Francis Paris, John White, 
boy, Thomas Arthur, Charles Reynolds, John Pierce jun. 
Andrew Denham, Thomas Jones, Charles Goodman, Jo- 
seph Antonia, Christopher Stevens, Charles Bowden, Chas. 
Westbury, Joseph Smith, George Williams, and George 
Cordell. 

The court further find and report, that William Wain- 
wright, William Worthington, and James Parker, the last 
of whom was born in Salem, Massachusetts, were claimed 
by the enemy as British subjects, and sent on board of the 
enemy's ships of war. 

This court respectfully beg leave to superadd, that, unbi- 
assed by any illiberal feelings towards the enemy, they feel 
it their duty to state, that the conduct of the enemy after, 
boarding and carrying the Chesapeake, was a most unwar- 
rantable abuse of power after success. 

The court is aware that in carrying a ship by boarding 
the full extent of the command of an officer cannot be 
readily exercised ; and that improper violence may una- 
voidably ensue. When this happens in the moment of con- 
tention, a magnanimous conquered foe will not complain. — 
But the fact has been clearly established before this court, 
that the enemy met with little opposition on the upper deck, 
and none on the gun-deck. Yet after they had carried the 
ship, they fired from the gun-deck down the hatchway up- 
on the birth-deck, and killed and wounded several of the 
Chesapeake's crew, who had retreated there, were unarmed 
and incapable of making any opposition ; that some balls 
were fired even into the cockpit : and what excites the ut- 
most abhorrence, this outrage was committed in the pres- 
ence of a British officer standing at the hatchway. 

W. BAINBRIDGE, President. 



NAVAL MONUMENT. 65 

The following is a copy of the letter, denominated a challenge, 
sent from the commander of the .British frigate Shannon to the 
commander of the American frigate Chesapeake. Capt. Law- 
rence sailed before this letter reached Boston. 

LETTER FROM CAPT. BROKE TO CAPT. LAWRENCE. 

His Britannic Majesty's ship Shannon, 
Sir, Off Boston, June, 1813. 

As the Chesapeake appears now ready for sea, I request 
you will do me the favour to meet the Shannon with her, 
ship to ship, to try the fortune of our respective flags. To 
an officer of your character, it requires some apology for 
proceeding to further particulars. Be assured, sir, that it 
is not from any doubt I can entertain of your wishing to 
close with my proposals, but merely to provide an answer 
to any objection which might be made, and very reasona- 
bly, upon the chance of our receiving unfair support. 

After the diligent attention which we had paid to Com. 
Rodgers ; the pains I took to detach all force but the Shan- 
non and Tenedos to such a distance that they could not pos- 
sibly join in any action fought in sight of the Capes ; and 
the various verbal messages which had been sent into Bos- 
ton to that effect ; we were much disappointed to find the 
commodore had eluded us, bv sailing on the first chance, 
after the prevaling easterly winds had obliged us to keep an 
offing from the coast. He perhaps wished for some stronger 
assurance of a fair meeting. I am therefore induced to ad- 
dress you more particularly, and to assure you, that what I 
write I pledge my honour to perform to the utmost of my 
power. The Shannon mounts twenty-four guns upon her 
broadside, and one light boat gun ; eighteen pounders on 
her main deck, and thirty-two pound carronades on her 
quarter deck and forecastle ; and is manned with a comple- 
ment of three hundred men and boys (a large proportion of 
the latter,) besides thirty seamen, boys and passengers, who 
were taken out of re-captured vessels lately. I am thus min- 
ute, because a report has prevailed in some of the Boston 

11 



66 NAVAL MONUMENT. 

papers that we had one hundred and fifty men additional, 
lent us from La Hogue, which really was never the case. 
La Hogue is now gone to Halifax for provisions, and I will 
send all other ships beyond the power of interfering with 
us, and will meet you wherever it is most agreeable to you: 
From six to ten leagues east of Cape Cod Light House, from 
eight to ten leagues east of Cape Ann Light on Cashe's 
Ledge in lat. 43 o N. at any bearing and distance you please 
to fix off the south breakers of Nantucket, or the shoals off 
St. George's Bank. 

If you will favour me with any plan of signals or tele- 
graph, I will warn you (if sailing under this promise) should 
any of my friends be too nigh or any where in sight, until I 
can detach them out of the way, or I would sail with you 
under a flag of truce to any place you think safest from our 
cruisers, hauling it down when fair to begin hostilities. 

You must, sir, be aware that my proposals are highly ad- 
vantageous to you, as you cannot proceed to sea singly in 
the Chesapeake without imminent risk of being crushed by 
the superior force of the numerous British squadrons which 
are now abroad, where all your efforts, in case of a rencon- 
tre, would, however gallant, be perfectly hopeless. I en- 
treat you, sir, not to imagine that I am urged by mere per- 
sonal vanity to the wish of meeting the Chesapeake ; or that 
I depend only upon your personal ambition for your acced- 
ing to this invitation : we have both nobler motives. You 
will feel it as a compliment if I say, that the result of our 
meeting may be the most grateful service I can render to my 
country ; and I doubt not that you, equally confident of 
success, will feel convinced, that it is only by repeated tri- 
umphs in even combats that your little navy can now hope 
to console your country for the loss of that trade it can no 
longer protect. Favour me with a speedy reply. We are 
short of provisions and water, and cannot stay long here. 
I have the honour to be, sir, 

your obedient humble servant. 
(Signed) P. B. V. BROKE, 

Capt. of JL B. M. ship Shannon. 



NAVAL MONUMENT. 67 

N. B. For the general service of watching your coast, 
it is requisite for me to keep another ship in company, to 
support me with her guns and boats when employed near 
the land, particularly to aid each other if either ship in 
chase should get on shore. You must be aware that I can- 
not, consistently with my duty, wave so great an advantage 
for this general service by detaching my consort, without 
any assurance on your part, of meeting me directly ; and 
that you will neither seek or admit aid from any other of 
your armed vessels, if I detach mine expressly for the sake 
of meeting you. — Should any special order restrain you 
from thus answering a formal challenge, you may yet ob- 
lige me by keeping my proposal a secret, and appointing 
any place you like to meet us (within 300 miles of Boston) 
in a given number of days after you sail ; as, unless you 
agree to an interview, I may be busied on other service, 
and perhaps be at a distance from Boston when you go to 
sea. Choose your terms — but let us meet. 

To the Commander of the United States 
frigate Chesapeake. 

ENDORSEMENT ON THE ENVELOP. 

We have thirteen American prisoners on board, which I 
will give you for as many British sailors, if you will send 
them out, otherwise, being privateersmen, they must be 
detained. 



ARGUS AND PELICAN. 

Extract of a letter from James Indenoick, surgeon of the late 
United States brig Argus, to the Secretary of the navy. 

Boston, September 5, 1814. 
Having been appointed by Commodore Decatur, as act- 
ing surgeon on board the late United States brig Argus, a 
short time previous to her departure from New-York, and 
having served in that capacity until the unfortunate termi- 



68 NAVAL MONUMENT. 

nation of her cruise ; I was, with her surviving officers, 
detained as a prisoner of war, on parole, in England. I 
have now, Sir, however, the honour of reporting to you 
my arrival on the 3d inst. at this port, in the cartel ship 
Saratoga, having at length obtained my release and passport 
as a non-combatant. As Lieut. Watson, our surviving 
commanding officer, has been unable, under parole restric- 
tions, to transmit any official documents, relative to the ac- 
tion and capture of the Argus, I have the honour to enclose, 
for your information, a report of the casualties attending 
that event. I regret that I have not yet been able to fur- 
nish the wounded with regular certificates ; it was impossible, 
without personal communication with them to obtain the 
information necessary to the filling up the blanks, with the 
precision, enforced in the orders of your honourable de- 
partment. 

The list of killed and wounded, as given by Dr. Inder- 

wick, is omitted, as a more complete account is given by 
Lieut. Watson in his official letter. 

Letter from Lieut. Watson, 1st of the late United States brig 
Argus, to the Secretary of the navy. 

Sir, Norfolk, March, 2, 1815. 

Circumstances during my residence in England having 
heretofore prevented my attention to the painful duty which 
devolved on me by the death of my gallant commander, 
Capt. Wm. H. Allen, of the late U. S. brig Argus, I have 
now the honour to state for your information, that hav- 
ing landed the Minister Plenipotentiary (Mr. Crawford) 
and suite at L'Orient, we proceeded on the cruise which 
had been directed by the department, and after captur- 
ing twenty vessels ( a list of the names and other par- 
ticulars of which I have the honour to enclose, ) being 
in lat. 52 o 15/ N. long. 5o 50/ W. on the 14th Au<r. 
1813, we discovered at 4 o'clock A. M. a large bri«r of 
war standing down under a press of sail upon our weath- 
er quarter, the wind being at south, and the Argus close 



ISAVAL MONUMENT. 69 

hauled on the starboard tack : we immediately prepared to 
receive her ; and at 30 minutes after 4, being unable to get 
the weather gage, we shortened sail, and gave her an oppor- 
tunity of closing. At 6, the brig having displayed English 
colours, we hoisted our flag ; wore round, and gave her 
the larboard broadside (being at this time within grape dis- 
tance) which was returned, and the action commenced 
within the range of musketry. At 4 minutes after 6, Capt. 
Allen was wounded, and the enemy shot away our main 
braces, main spring-stay, gaff, and trysail-mast, At 8 min- 
utes after 6, Capt. Allen, being much exhausted oy the loss 
of blood, was taken below. At 12 minutes after 6, lost our 
spritsail-yard and the principal part of the standing rigging 
on the larboard side of the foremast. At this time I receiv- 
ed a wound on the head from a grape shot, which for a 
time rendered me incapable of attending to duty, and was 
carried below ; I had, however, the satisfaction of recol- 
lecting on my recovery, that nothing which the most gallant 
exertions could effect, would be left undone by Lieut. W. 
H. Allen, jun. who succeeded to the command of the deck. 
Lieut. Allen reports, at 14 minutes after 6, the enemy, be- 
ing in our weather quarter, edged off", for the purpose of 
getting under our stern, but the Argus luffed close to, with 
the main topsail aback, and giving him a raking broadside, 
frustrated his attempt. At 18 minutes after 6, the enemy 
shot away our preventer, main-braces and main-topsail-tye ; 
and the Argus having lost the use of her after sails, fell on 
before the wind, when the enemy succeeded in passing our 
stern, and ranged on the starboard side. At 25 minutes af- 
ter 6, the wheel ropes and running rigging of every descrip- 
tion being shot away, the Argus became unmanageable ; and 
the enemy, not having sustained any apparent damage, had 
it completely in his power to choose a position, and contin- 
ued to play upon our starboard quarter, occasionally shift- 
ing his situation, until 30 minutes after 6, when I returned 
to the deck, the enemy being under our stern, within pistol 
shot, where she continued to rake us until 38 minutes after 



70 NAVAL MONUMENT. 

6, when we prepared to board, but, in consequence of our 
shattered condition, were unable to effect it ; the enemy 
then passed our broadside, and took a position on our star- 
board bow. From this time until 47 minutes after 6, we 
were exposed to a cross or raking fire, without being able 
to oppose but little more than musketry to the broadside of 
the enemy, our guns being much disabled and seldom brought 
to bear. 

The Jlrgus having now suffered much, in hull and rig- 
ging, as also in killed and wounded, among the former of 
whom (exclusive of our gallant captain) we have to lament 
the loss of two meritorious young officers in Midshipmen 
Delphy and Edwards ; and being exposed to a galling fire, 
which from the enemy's ability to manage his vessel, we 
could not avoid, I deemed it necessary to surrender, and was 
taken possession of by his Britannic majesty's sloop the 
Pelican, of twenty-one carriage guns, viz. sixteen 32 pound 
carronades, four long 6's, and one 12 pound carronade. I 
hope this measure will meet your approbation, and that the 
result of this action, when the superiour size and metal of 
our opponent, and the fatigue which the crew, &c. of the 
Jlrgus underwent from a very rapid succession of captures, 
is considered, will not be thought unworthy of the flag un- 
der which we serve. 

I have the honour to enclose a list of killed and wound- 
ed, and feel great satisfaction in reporting the general good 
conduct of the meritorious officers engaged on this occa- 
sion, and particularly the zeal and activity displayed by 
Lieut. Allen, who you will observe for a time commanded 
on deck. 

I have the honour to be, Sir, with great respect, 

your obedient servant, 

Hon. B. Crowninshield, W. H. WATSON, 

Sec'i/ of the navy. Late of the U. S. brig Jlrgus. 

Killed. Richard Delphy, Wm. W. Edwards, midship- 
men ; Joshua Jones, Wm. Finley, Wm. Knowlton, George 
Gardner, seamen. 



NAVAL MONUMENT. 71 

Died of their wounds. William H. Allen, captain ; 
James White, carpenter ; Joseph Jordan, boatswain's mate; 
Francis Eggert, and Charles Backster, seamen. 

Wounded. William H. Watson, 1st lieutenant ; Colin 
M'Leod, boatswain ; John Sniffer, carpenter's mate ; John 
Young, quarter master ; John Nugent, James Hall, Joseph 
Allen, John Faddon, George Starbuck, Win. Hoventon, 
John Scott 1st, John Scott 2d, seamen. 

During a few weeks preceding the loss of the Argus, she 
had captured 23 British vessels, of various sizes, some of 
great value. 
The tonnage of the Argus* is given as. follows ; 

Length of keel, for tonnage 80 feet ) 

Breadth of beam, do. 28 do. V 298 68-95 tons 

Depth of hold do. 12 ft. 8 in. ) 

A London paper has the following : the Pelican brig of 18 
guns, which so nobly captured the Argus sloop of war, was 
commanded by Capt. Searle, when she beat the French frig- 
ate Medea, of 44 guns, inte Guadaloupe, after an action of 
two hours in the year 1799. 

FUNERAL OF C APT. ALLEN. 

At Plymouth Eng. on the 21st of August, was interred 
with military honours, William Henry Allen, Esq. late com- 
mander of the United States sloop of war Argus, who lost 
his left leg in an action with his Majesty's sloop of war Pel- 
ican, J. F. Maples Esq. captain, in St. George's Channel on 
the 14th ; of which wound he died in the Mill-prison Hos- 
pital, on the 18th following. 

The procession left Mill-prison at 12 o'clock : the coffin 
was covered with a velvet pall, on which was spread the 
American ensign, under which the action was fought, and 
upon which the hat and sword of the deceased were laid. 
On the coffin being removed to the hearse, the guard salu- 
ted ; and when deposited in the hearse the procession mov- 
ed forward, the band playing the " Dead March in Saul." 

* Built in Boston, by Mr. Edmund Hart. 



7^ 



NAVAL MONUMENT. 



On arrival, near the church, the guard clubbed arms, single 
files inward, through which the procession passed to the 
church, into which the corpse was carried and placed in 
the centre aisle, while the funeral services were read by the 
Rev. Vicar ; after which it was removed and interred in 
the south yard (passing through the guard in the same order 
from as to the church,) on the right of Mr. Delphy, mid- 
shipman of the Argus, who lost both legs in the same action, 
and was buried the preceding evening. 

ORDER OF PROCESSION. 

Guard of Honour. 

Lieut. Col. of Royal Marines, 

with two companies of that corps. 

The Captains, Subalterns, and field Adjutants, (Officers 

with hat bands and scarfs.) 

Royal Marine Band. 

Vicar and Curate of St. Andrew's. 

Clerk of ditto. 

THE HEARSE, 

With the Corpse of the deceased Captain, 

attended by eight seamen, late of the Argus, with crape 

round their arms, tied with white crape ribbons ; 

Also, eight British Captains of the Royal Navy, as Pall 

bearers, 

With hatbands and scarfs. 

Captain Allen's servants in mourning. 

The Officers, late of the Argus, in uniform, with crape 

sashes, and hat bands, two and two. 

John Hawker Esq. late American Vice-Consul, 

and his Clerks. 

Captain Pellowe, Commissioner for Prisoners of War. 

Dr. McGraih, Chief Medical Officer at Mill-prison Depot. 

Captains of the Royal Navy in port, two and two. 

Marine and Army Officers, two and two. 

Servants of the American Officers, two and two. 

Followed by a very numerous and respectable retinue of 

Inhabitants. 



NAVAL MONUMENT. 7* 

EXTRACT FROM THE BRITISH NAVAL CHRONICLE. 

"As several misstatements have appeared in the public 
prints relative to the death of the late Capt. Allen, we subjoin 
the following particulars, communicated to us by a friend, 
which may be depended on : Capt. Allen's left thigh was am- 
putated by his own surgeon, in a very proper manner, about 
three quarters of an hour after the close of the action. — 
On the morning after the arrival of the Jlrgus, (Tuesday,) 
the chief medical officer from Mill-prison attended him, and 
soon discovered, that dangerous symptoms, which had es- 
caped the observation of his surgeon, who thought favour- 
ably of his situation, were insidiously approaching, and ac- 
cordingly communicated his apprehensions, and recommen- 
ded such remedies as were deemed advisable. In the even- 
ing he was again visited, when the prognostic given in the 
morning; was found too visiblv verified. On the following; 
day his symptoms were much aggravated, and his immedi- 
ate removal to Mill-prison Hospital was strongly recom- 
mended, in order to obtain the most prompt remedies, and 
where he might have all the care and attention his situation 
demanded. He arrived about noon ; but in spite of every 
effort, gradually sunk, until he breathed his last, about 11 
o'clock that night, during which period he was never left 
by his physician. We understand he was not conscious of 
the danger of kis situation, but conversed familiarly with 
those present with him until about three quarters of an hour 
before he died. His death was conceived to be chiefly occa- 
sioned by the great loss of blood which he sustained previ- 
ous to amputation, by his persisting in remaining on deck 
after he was wounded. Throughout the whole, he bore 
his sufferings with that manly, determined fortitude and 
composure, which might be expected of a brave and gallant 
officer, and never once complained of pain ; but his mind 
constantly dwelt on the loss of his ship, which he regretted 
in the most feeling and manly manner. In person he was 
about six feet high, a model of symmetry and manly conie- 

12 



74 NAVAL MONUMENT. 

liness, and in his manner and conversation a highly finished 
and accomplished gentleman. 

William Henry Allen* was an officer, no less distinguish- 
ed by his bravery, than the uniform courtesy and amenity of 
his manners. In ordinary life we discovered nothing of 
those high qualities, for which, in the hour of danger, he 
was found to be so preeminent. He relaxed into all the 
mildness of the polished and amiable gentleman, stated his 
opinions with modesty, and carefully abstained from irrita- 
ting or insulting language. His conversation, although pe- 
culiarly unostentatious, was luminous and instructive, and 
combined the elegance of a scholar with the sound practical 
sense of a man of intercourse with the world. He studied 
naval tactics as a science, and laboured to adorn and decorate 
the stern and masculine character of the sailor, with the 
milder graces and softer embellishments. In this he suc- 
ceeded completely, and was capable of turning to the view the 
stern and intrepid side of his character, or the milder and 
more amiable, as occasion required. In his friendships he 
v/as ardent and constant. All these advantages were render- 
ed still more conspicuous by a noble masculine deportment, 
and the fine forms which he inherited from nature. A 
stranger, in his company, and perfectly ignorant of his 
character, would find his heart drawn powerfully towards 
him, by the predominant and pervading sympathy, which 
such endearing qualities always excite. He would be dispo- 
sed to converse more with him, and to cultivate his friend- 
ship. Every hour he would feel this attachment growing 
stronger, as the varied excellencies of his character were 
disclosed in succession. Such was William Henry Allen. 
He had adorned his name by his bravery, which was so con- 
spicuous in the affair of the Macedonian. This enlarged his 
ideas and made him pant for fame, that last infirmity of no- 
ble minds. He has fallen, indeed, but for all the purposes 
of life he had lived long enough. He had enjoyed the con- 

* J-tout. Allen was a native of Hhode Island 



NAVAL MONUMENT. U 

fidence of his country, and died in the performance of his 
duty. This humble wreath is not less a tribute to individ- 
ual friendship, than to justice. 

The following is from an Irish news-paper. 

It would be injustice not to notice the excellent conduct 
of Capt. Allen, of the Argus. He allowed the passengers 
and crews of the Betsey and Mariner to remove every article 
of their private property, and in order that they might have 
liberty to do so, he would not suffer one of his officers or 
crew to be present below, whilst they were employed in 
packing up their effects. Capt. Gilbert, of the Mariner, had 
left some articles of cabin furniture behind, which Capt. 
Allen sent after him in his boat. » A great coat, belonging to 
an officer of one of the captured ships, was missing, and it 
was found in the possession of one of the crew of the Argus. 
Capt. Allen immediately ordered the man to be tied up, and 
he actually received a severe flogging. Considerable sums 
in specie were saved by the passengers, as Capt. Allen would 
not allow his men to touch a single article. 

COURT OF INQUIRY. 

The following decision and opinion of the court of inqui- 
ry, convened at Baltimore, in April last, to investigate the 
causes of the loss of the Argus, have been received and ap- 
proved by the secretary of the navy. 

The court, in pursuance of the authority by which they 
were convened, having carefully examined into the causes of 
the loss by capture of the U. S. sloop of war Argus, under 
the command of the late W. H. Allen, master commandant 
in the navy of the United States, and also into the conduct 
of the officers and crew of the said sloop of war, before and 
after her surrender to the enemy's ship Pelican, and having 
maturely deliberated upon all the testimony, they find the 
following facts : 

1. It is proved, that in the number of her crew, and in 
the number and calibre of her guns, the Pelican was deeided- 
ly superiour to the Argus. 



70 NAVAL MONUMENT. 

2. They find that the crew of the Argus was very much 
exhausted by the continued and extraordinary fatigue and 
exposure to which they had been subjected for several 
weeks, and particularly for twenty four hours immediately 
preceding the action. 

3. They find that every officer and man of the Jlrgus, 
(with the expection of one man, Jacob Alli;ter, and one boy, 
Hendrick) made use of every practicable exertion to capture 
the British sloop of war Pelican. 

They are therefore of opinion, that every officer and man, 
with the exception before mentioned, displayed throughout 
the engagement, a zeal, activity, and spirit in defence of the 
vessel and flag committed to their protection, which entitles 
them to the undiminished confidence and respect of their 
government and fellow citizens, and do therefore honoura- 
bly acquit them. 



ENTERPRIZE AND BOXER. 

LETTER FROM COM. BAINBRIBGE TO THE SECRETA- 
RY OF THE NAVY. 

Boston, September 7, 1813. 
The enclosed letters will give you the information of a 
brilliant victory, gained by the United States brig Entcrprize, 
over his Britannic Majesty's brig Boxer, of considerable su- 
periority of force. Nothing that I can say would add to 
the lustre of the gallant action, which so decidedly speaks 
for itself. But I cannot restrain my deep regret for the loss 
of so valuable an officer as the brave Lieut. Burrows. 
I have the honour to be, with great respect, 

your obedient servant, 
Hon. William Jones, W. BAINBR1DGE. 

Sce't/ of th& nc.vy. 



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NAVAL MONUMENT. 77 

LETTER FROM CAPT. HULL TO THE SECY OF THE NAVY. 

Sir, Portland, September 7, 1813. 

I had the honour last evening to forward you, by express, 
through the hands of Commodore Bainbridge, a letter, re- 
ceived from Samuel Storer Esq. navy agent at this place, 
detailing an account of the capture of the British brig Box- 
er, by the United States brig Enterprize. 

I now have to inform you, that I left Portsmouth this 
morning, and have this moment arrived, and, as the mail is 
closing, I have only time to enclose you the report of Lt. 
M'Cail, of the Enterprize, and to assure you that a statement 
of the situation of the two vessels, as to the damage they 
have received, &c. shall be forwarded as soon as surveys 
can be made. The Boxer has received much damage in her 
hull, masts, and sails ; indeed it was with difficulty she 
could be kept afloat to get her in. The Enterprize is only 
injured in her masts and sails. 

I have the honour to be, &c. 

Hon. William Jones, ISAAC HULL. 

Secr'y of the navy. 

OFFICIAL ACCOUNT. 

United States brig Enterprize, 
Sir, Portland, Sept. 7, 1813. 

In consequence of the unfortunate death of Lieut. Will- 
iam Burrows, late commander of this vessel, it devolves, 
on me to acquaint you Avith the result of my cruise. After 
sailing from Portsmouth, on the first inst. we steered to the 
eastward ; and on the morning of the 3d, off Wood Island, 
discovered a schooner, which we chased into this harbour 
where we anchored. On the morning of the 4th weighed 
anchor, and swept out, and continued our course to the 
eastward. Having received information of several priva- 
teers being off Manhagan, we stood for that place ; and on 
the following morning, in the bay near Penguin Point, dis- 
#orered a brig, getting under way, which appeared to be a 



78 NAVAL MONUMENT. 

vessel of war, and to which we immediately gave chase. 
She fired several guns, and stood for us, having four ensigns 
hoisted. After reconnoitring and discovering her force, and 
the nation to which she belonged, we hauled upon a wind, 
to stand out of the bay, and at 3 o'clock shortened sail, 
tacked to run down, with an intention to bring her to close 
action. At 20 minutes after 3 P. M. when within half pis- 
tol shot, the firing commenced from both, and after being 
warmly kept up, and with some maneuvering, the enemy 
hailed, and said they had surrendered, about 4 P. M. their 
colours being nailed to the masts, could not be hauled down. She 
proved to be his B. M. brig Boxer, of 14 guns, Samuel 
Blythe, Esq. commander, who fell m the early part of the 
eno-acrement, having received a cannon shot through the 
body. And I am sorry to add, that Lieut. Burrows, who 
had gallantly led us into action, fell also about the same 
time by a musket ball, which terminated his existence in 8 
hours. 

The Enterprize suffered much in spars and rigging, and 
the Boxer in spars, rigging, and hull, having many shots be- 
tween wind and water. 

It would be doing injustice to the merit of Mr. Tilling- 
hast, 2d lieutenant, were I not to mention the able assistance 
I received from him during the remainder of the engage- 
ment, by his strict attention to his own division and other 
departments, and of the officers and crew generally, I am 
happy to add, their cool and determined conduct have my 
warmest approbation and applause. 

As no muster roll, that can be fully relied on, has come 
into my possession, I cannot exactly state the number killed 
and wounded on board the Boxer, but from information re- 
ceived from the officers of that vessel, it appears there were 
between 20 and 35 killed, and 14 wounded. Enclosed is a 
list of the killed and wounded on board the Enterprize. 
I have the honour to be, &c. 

EDWARD R. M'CALL, Senior officer. 

Isaac Hull. Esq. Commanding 
naval officer on the eastern station. 



NAVAL MONUMENT. 79 

Liit of killed and wounded on board the United States bris Enter- 
prize, in the engagement with the British brig Boxer, the 5th of 
September 1813. 

Killed, Nathaniel Garren, ordinary seaman. 

Wounded, William Burrows Esq, commander, (since 
dead ;) Kervin Waters, midshipman, mortally ; Elisha Blos- 
som, carpenter's mate, (since dead,) David Norton, quarter- 
master : Russel Coats, do.; Thomas Owings, do.; Benjamin 
Cammon, boatswain's mate ; Scuiler Prapley, seaman ; 
James Snow, do.; Snow Jones, do.; Peter Barnard, ordin- 
ary seaman ; William Thomas 2d, seaman ; John Fitzmere, 
marine. 

Killed, 1. Wounded, 13. Since dead of wounds, 3. 
EDWARD R M'CALL, Senior officer. 

LETTER FROM ISAAC HULL ESQ. TO THE SECRETARY 

OF THE NAVY. 

* U. S. Navy Yard, Portsmouth, 

Sir, September, 14, 1813. 

I have the honour to forward you by mail the flags of the 
late British brig Boxer, which were nailed to her mast heads 
at the time she engaged, and was captured by the U. S. 
brig Enterprise. Great as the pleasure is that I derive from 
performing this part of my duty, I need not tell you how 
different my feelings would have been, could the gallant 
Burrows have had this honour. He went into action most 
gallantly, and the difference of injury done the two vessels 
proves how nobly he fought. 

I have the honour to be &c. 

ISAAC HULL. 

EXTRACT OF A LETTER FR03I COMMODORE HULL TO 
COMMODORE BAINBRIDGE. 

September, 10, 1813. 
" I yesterday visited the two brigs, and was astonished to 
seethe difference of injury sustained in the action. 



80 NAVAL MONUMENT. 

The Enteryrize has but one 18 pound shot in her hull, 
one in her mainmast, and one in her foremast ; her sails are 
much cut with grape shot, and there are a great number of 
grape lodged in her sides, but no injury done by them. — 
The Boxer has eighteen or twenty 18 pound shot in her hull, 
most of them at the water's edge, several stands of 18 
pound grape stick in her side, and such a quantity of small 
grape, that I did not undertake to count them- Her masts, 
sails, and spars are literally cut to pieces, several of her 
guns dismounted, and unfit for service ; her top-gallant 
forecastle nearly taken off by the shot, her boats cut to pie- 
ces, and her quarters injured in proportion. To give you 
an idea of the quantity of shot about her, I inform you, that 
I counted in her main-mast alone three 18 pound shot holes, 
18 large grape shot holes, 16 musket ball holes, and a large 
number of smaller shot holes, without counting above the 
cat harpins. 

We find it impossible to get at the number killed ; no pa- 
pers are found, by which we can ascertain it. I however 
counted upwards of 90 hammocks, which were in her net- 
ting with beds in them, besides several beds without ham- 
mocks ; and she has excellent accommodations for all her 
officers below in state rooms ; so that I have no doubt, that 
she had 100 men on board. We know that she has several 
of the Rattler's men. on board, and a quantity of wads was 
taken out of the Rattler, loaded with four large grape shot, 
with a small hole in the centre, to put in a cartridge, that 
the inside of the wad may take fire when it leaves the gun : 
in short, she is in every respect completely fitted, and her 
accommodations exceed any thing I have seen in a vessel of 
her class." 

Remarks. There have been various opinions respecting 
the relative force of the vessels ; and some ungenerous at- 
tempts have been made to diminish the splendor of the vic- 
tory. The foregoing extracts settle the question of force 
and skill. It appears, that in number of men the enemy 
were equal ; in number of guns it is well known the enemy 



NAVAL MONUMENT. 81 

were superior ; and the vast difference of execution confirms 
(if confirmation were wanted) the fact of the high degree 
of the superiority of our seamen in the art of gunnery. 

In addition to the particulars officially given, we have 
the following from other sources. The Enterprize rates as 
12 guns, but carries 16, viz. 14 eighteen pound carronades 
and 2 long 9s ; her officers and crew consisted of 102 per- 
sons, and her burthen is about 265 tons. The Boxer rates as 
a 14 gun brig, but carries 18, viz. sixteen 18 pound carron- 
ades, and 2 long 9s ; her force, at the time of the action, was 
104 men, and her burthen is about 300 tons. The first is an 
old, light built vessel, the latter is new and very strong. 

For several days before the Boxer sailed from St. John's, 
great exertions were made by the government officers, as 
well as the magistrates of the place, to man and equip her 
in a perfect manner to fight the Enterprize. Capt. Blythe 
sailed with the most confident belief of speedily returning 
to port, crowned with the same laurels, that decked the brow 
of Broke. 

Soon after the arrival of the Enterprize, and her prize at 
Portland, the bodies of the two commanding officers, Lieut. 
Burrows and Capt. Blythe, were brought on shore in ten- 
oared barges, rowed at minute strokes, by masters of ships, 
accompanied by most of the barges and boats in the har- 
bour, while minute guns were fired from the two vessels. 
A grand procession was then formed, which moved through 
the principal streets, to the Rev. Mr. Payson's meeting house, 
where the rites of sepulture were performed, with appro- 
priate music, and from thence to the place of interment. 

The order of procession was as follows : 

Military escort, 

Composed of a rifle company and two companies of infantry. 

Selectmen of Portland. 

Town Treasurer and Sheriff of the countv. 

Town Clerk and other municipal officers. 

The Reverend Clergy. 

13 



82 NAVAL MONUMENT. 



Mr. Le Sassier, trt Mr. Shields, 

IN ^ 

Mr. O'Neal, g o § Mr. Turner, 

Mr. Tillinghast, M Mr. M'Call. 

Chief mourners. 

Dr. Washington, Capt. Hull. 

Officers of the brig Enterprize. 

Crew of the brig Enterprize. 



Lemuel Weeks, jun. ^ William Merrill^ 

Seth Barnes, 2 o ^ James Combs, 

Joshua Knights, PQ John Alden. 

Officers of the brig Boxer, as mourners, 

and Officers on Parole. 

Crew of the brig Boxer. 

Officers of the United States Navy. 

Ship Masters and Mates. 

Marshal of Maine. 

Navv Agent, and 

The late Consul General to the Barbary Powers. 

Collector of the Port, and Surveyor. 

Superintendant General of Military Supplies. 

Officers of the Army of the United States. 

Militarv Officers of the State, in uniform. 

Judges, and other Civil Officers of the United States 

Members of Congress. 

Judiciary of the Commonwealth. 

Members of the State Legislature. 

Civil Officers of the State. 

Portland Marine Society. 

Presidents, Directors and Officers of the Banks, and 

Insurance offices. 

Citizens in general. 



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NAVAL MONUMENT. 83 

The funeral was attended with all the honours that the 
civil and military authorities of the place, and the great 
body of the people could bestow. The whole scene was 
strikingly impressive. The bells were tolled, and two 
companies of artillery fired minute guns, which were repea- 
ted from forts Preble and Scammel. 

Lieut. Burrows was a young man of uncommon worth. 
He was the son of Col. Burrows, of South Carolina, for- 
merly of the marine corps. He lived with honour, and 
died with glory. By his early death"* his country has lost 
an able commander, and his two surviving sisters a brother, 
whose excellencies they will never cease to remember. He 
was intelligent, intrepid, generous and humane. He was 
ambitious to add lustre to the American navy, and eagerly 
rushed into a combat, which issued in a signal victory over 
a superior force. He received a mortal wound at the com- 
mencement of the action, but refused to be carried below 
until the sword of his enemy was presented to him. He 
seized it with both hands, and exclaimed, " / am satisfied, I 
die contented,' 1 '' and soon expired. Of Lieut. M'Callf the 
public will judge by the termination of the fight, and his 
modest account of it. Capt. Blakely, late of the Enterprize, 
to whom certainly some part of the credit is due for the 
complete discipline of the men, had a short time before left 
that vessel, to superintend the building and fitting out of a 
new sloop of war, which he was to command. 

Capt. Blythe, killed on board the Boxer, had distinguish- 
ed himself at the conquest of Cayenne, and received of the 
Prince Regent of England a handsome present in money, 
to purchase a sword or some other memorial. His oppo- 
nent, the invincible Burrows, had little or no experience 
in the business of a battle, and Lieut. M'Call, on whom the 
command of the Enterprize devolved, had never seen a fight. 

* He had just entered his twenty eighth year. 

t Lieut. M'Call is a native of South Carolina. 



84 NAVAL xMONUMENT. 

BATTLE OF LAKE ERIE. 

COPY OF A LETTER FROM COMMODORE PERRY TO THE 

SECRETARY OF THE NAVY. 

U. S. Brig Niagara, off the Western Sister, 
Sir, Lake Erie, Sept. 10, 1813. 

It has pleased the Almighty to give to the arms of the 
United States a signal victory over their enemies on this 
lake': The British squadron, consisting of 2 ships, 2 brigs, 
1 schooner, and 1 sloop, have this moment surrendered to 
the force under my command, after a sharp conflict. 
I have the honour to be, Sir, very respectfully, 

your obedient servant, 
Hon. William Jones OH. PERRY.* 

Sec'y of the navy. 

LETTERS FROM COM. PERRY TO MAJ. GEN. HARRISON. 

U. S. Brig Niagara, off the Western Sister, 
Dear General, Lake Erie, Sept. 10, 1813. 

We have met the enemy ; and they are ours ! 2 ships, 2 
brigs, 1 schooner, and 1 sloop. 

Yours with great respect and esteem, 
Gen. Harrison. O. H. PERRY. 

Dear Sir, September 11, 1813. 

We have a great number of prisoners, which I wish to 
land: will you be so good as to order a guard to receive 
them; and inform me of the place ? Considerable numbers 
have been killed and wounded on both sides. From the 
best information, we have more prisoners than we have 
men on board our vessels. In great haste, 

yours very truly, 
Gen. Harrison. 0. H. PERRY. 

* Com. Perry is a native of Newport R. I. and son of Com. Christopher 
R.Perry, who formerly commanded the frigate General Green. 



NAVAL MONUMENT. SS 

COPY OF A LETTER FROM COMMODORE PERRY TO THE 

SECRETARY t OF THE NAVY. 

U- S. Schooner Ariel, Put-in-Bay, 
Sir, September 13, 1813. 

In my last I informed you that we had captured the 
enemy's fleet on this lake. I have now the honour to give 
you the most important particulars of the action. On the 
morning of the 10th instant, at sunrise, they were discov- 
ered from Put-in-Bay, where I lay at anchor with the 
squadron under my command. We got under way, the 
wind light at S. W. and stood for them. At 10 A. M. the 
wind hauled to S. E. and brought us to windward : form- 
ed the line and bore up. At 15 minutes before 12, the ene- 
my commenced firing; at 5 minutes before 12, the action 
commenced on our part. Finding their fire very destructive, 
owing to their long guns, and its being mostly directed at 
the Lawrence, I made sail and directed the other vessels to 
follow for the purpose of closing with the enemy. Every 
brace and bow-line being shot away, she became unman- 
ageable, notwithstanding the great exertions of the sailing 
master. In this situation she sustained the action upwards 
of 2 hours within cannister distance, until every gun was 
rendered useless, and the greater part of her crew either 
killed or wounded. Finding she could no longer annoy the 
the enemy, I left her in charge of Lieut Yarn all, who I was 
convinced, from the bravery already displayed by him, 
would do what would comport with the honour of the flag. 
At half past two, the wind springing up, Capt. Elliott was 
enabled to bring his vessel, the Niagara, gallantly into close 
action : I immediately went onboard of her, when he anti- 
cipated my wish by volunteering to bring the schooners 
which had been kept astern by the lightness of the wind, 
into close action. It was with unspeakable pain, that I saw, 
soon after I got on board the Niagara, the flag of the Law- 
rence came down, although I was perfectly sensible that she 
had been defended to the last, and that to have continued 



86 NAVAL MONUMENT. 

to make a shoAV of resistance would have been a wanton sac- 
rifice of the remains of her brave crew. But the enemy was 
not able to take possession of her, and circumstances soon 
permitted her flag again to be hoisted. 

At 45 minutes past 2, the signal was made for " close ac- 
tion." The Niagara being very little injured, I determin- 
ed to pass through the enemy's line, bore up and passed 
ahead of their two ships and a brig, giving a raking fire to 
them from the starboard guns, and to a large schooner and 
sloop from the larboard side at half pistol shot distance. 
The smaller vessels at this time having got within grape 
andcannister distance, under the direction of Capt. Elliott, 
and keeping up a well directed fire, the two ships, a brig 
and a schooner surrendered, a schooner and sloop making a 
vain attempt to escape. 

Those officers and men who were immediately under my 
observation evinced the greatest gallantry, and I have no 
doubt that all others conducted themselves as became Amer- 
ican officers and seamen. Lieut. Yarnall, first of the Laic- 
rence, although several times wounded, refused to quit 
the deck- Midshipman Forrest (doing duty as lieu- 
tenant) and Sailing-Master Tailor, were of great assistance 
to me. I have great pain in stating to you the death of Lt. 
Brooks of the marines, and Midshipman Laub, both of the 
Laurence, and Midshipman John Clarke of the Scorpion : 
they were valuable and promising officers. Mr. Hambleton, 
purser, who volunteered his services on deck, was severely 
wounded late in the action. Midshipmen Claxon and 
Swartwout of the Lawrence, were severely wounded. On 
board of the Niagara, Lieutenants Smith and Edwards, and 
Midshipman Webster (doing duty as a sailing master,) be- 
haved in a very handsome manner. Capt. Breevoort of the 
army, who acted as a volunteer in the capacity of a marine 
officer, on board that vessel, is an excellent and brave officer, 
and with his musketry did great execution. Lieut. Turner, 
commanding the Caledonia,, brought that vessel into action 
in the most able manner, and is an officer that in all situa- 





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FA 



NAVAL MONUMENT. 87 

tions may be relied on. The Ariel, Lieut. Packet, and 
Scorpion, Sailing-Master Champlin, were enabled to get ear- 
ly into action, and were of great service. Capt. Elliott 
speaks in the highest terms of Mr. Magrath, purser, who 
had been despatched in a boat on service previous to my 
getting on board the Niagara ; and, being a seaman, since 
the action has rendered essential service in taking charge of 
one of the prizes. Of Capt. Elliott, already so well known 
to the government, it would be almost superfluous to speak. 
In this action he evinced his characteristic bravery and judg- 
ment, and, since the close of the action, has given me the 
most able and essential assistance. 

I have the honour to enclose vou a return of the killed 
and wounded, together with a statement of the relative force 
of the squadrons. The captain and 1st lieutenant of the 
Queen Charlotte and the 1st lieutenant of the Detroit were 
killed : Capt. Barclay, senior officer, and the commander 
of the Lady Prevost, severely wounded : the commander of 
the Hunter and Chippeway slightly wounded. Their loss in 
killed and wounded I have not yet been able to ascertain ; 
it must however have been very great. 

Very respectfully, I have the honour to be, 
Sir, your obedient servant, 

Hon. William Jones, 0. H. PERRY. 

Sec'y of the navy. 

EXTRACT OF A LETTER FROM COMMODORE PERRY. 

U. S. Schooner Ariel, Put-in- Bay, 
Sir, September 13, 1813. 

I have caused the prisoners taken on the 10th inst. to be 
landed at Sandusky, and have requested Gen. Harrison to 
have them marched to Chilicothe, and there wait until your 
pleasure shall be known respecting them. 

The Lawrence has been entirely cut up : it is absolutely ne- 
cessary she should go into a safe harbour. I have there- 
fore directed Lieut. Yarnall to proceed to Erie in her, with 
the wounded of the fleet, and dismantle and get her over 
the bar as soon as possible. 



88 NAVAL MONUMENT. 

The two ships in a heavy sea this day at anchor lost their 
masts, being much injured in the action. I shall haul them 
into the inner bay at this place, and moor them for the pres- 
ent. The Detroit is a remarkably fine ship, sails well, and 
is very strongly built. The Queen Charlotte is a much su- 
periour vessel to what has been represented. The Lady 
Prevost is a large, fine schooner. 

I also beg your instructions respecting the wounded. I 
am satisfied, Sir, that whatever steps I might take, governed 
by humanity, would meet your approbation. Under this 
impression, I have taken upon myself to promise Capt. Bar- 
clay, who is very dangerously wounded, that he shall be 
landed as near Lake Ontario as possible, and I had no doubt 
you would allow me to parole him. He is under the im- 
pression that nothing but leaving this part of the country 

will save his life. 

There is also a number of Canadians among the prison- 
ers, many of whom have families. 
I have the honour to be, Sir, 

very respectfully, your obed't serv't, 
Hon. William Jones, 0. H. PERRY. 

Sec'y of the navy. 

STATEMENT OF THE FORCE OF.THE BRIT'H SQUADRON. 

Ship Detroit* - - 19 guns — 1 on pivot, and 2 howitzers. 

Queen Charlotte, 17 do. 1 do. 
Sch. Lady Prevost, 13 do. 1 do. 
Brig Hunter, - - 10 do. 
Sl'p Little Belt, - 3 do. 
Sch. Chippeway, - 1 do. and 2 swivels — Total, 63 guns. 

STATEMENT OF THE FORCE OF THE U. S. SQUADRON. 

Brig Lawrence, - - 20 guns. 
Niagara, - - 20 do. 
Caledonia, - - 3 do. 

*The Detroit is a new ship, very strongly built, and mounts long 24s, 
18s and 12s. 



NAVAL MONUMENT. 89 

Sch. Ariel, - - 4 do. (one burst early in the action.) 

Scorpion, - - 2 do. 
Somers, - - 2 do. and 2 swivels. 
Sl'pTrippe, - 1 do. 
Sch. Tigress, - 1 do. 

Porcupine, 1 do. — Total, 54 guns. 
The exact number of the enemy's force has not been ascer- 
tained, but I have good reason to believe that it exceeded 
ours by nearly one hundred men. 

List of killed and wounded on board the United States squadron 
tinder command of O. H. Perry Esq. in the action of 10th 
September, 1813. 
On board the Lawrence. Killed — John Brooks, lieuten- 
ant of marines ;* Henry Laub, midshipman ; Christian 
Mayhew, quarter master ; James W. Allen, Joseph Kenne- 
dy, seamen ; John C. Kelly, private in the - regiment ; John 
Smith, Andrew Michael, Charles Pohig, Nelson Peters, 
James Jones, John Rose, Thomas Butler, James Brown, sea- 
men ; William Cranston, John Hoffman, ordinary seamen ; 
James Carty, sail-maker's mate ; Wilson Mays, carpenter's 
mate ; Ethelred Sykes, landsman ; Philip Starpley, corpo- 
ral marines ; Jesse Harland, Abner Williams, privates — 22. 
Wounded — John J. Yarnall, 1st lieutenant, slightly ; Du- 
laney Forrest, 2d do. do.; William N. Taylor, sailing mas- 
ter, do.; Samuel Hambleton, purser, severely ; Thomas 
Claxton, Augustus Swartwout, midshipmen, severely ; Jo- 
nas Stone, carpenter, slightly ; William C. Keen, master at 
arms, do.; Francis Mason, John Newen, quarter master? 
severely ; Joseph Lewis, Ezekiel Fowler, quarter masters, 
slightly ; John E. Brown, quarter gunner, severely ; Wil- 
liam Johnson, boatswain's mate, do ; James Helan, do. 
slightly ; George Cornell, carpenter's mate, do.; Thomas 
Hammond, armourer, do.; William Thomson, Geo. Vern- 
um, James Moses, William Roe, Joseph Denning, William 

* A son of the Hon. John Brooks of Medford, Mass. He was an accom- 
plished gentleman and brave officer. 

14 



=> 



90 NAVAL MONUMENT. 

Daring, John Clay, Stephen Fairfield, George Williams, 
Lannon Huse, James Waddington, John Bnrnham, John 
Bnrdeen, Andrew Mattison, William Dawson, seamen, se- 
verely ; Robert Hill, seaman, slightly ; Jeremiah Easter- 
brooke, Henry Schrceder, Benoni Price, Thomas Robin- 
son, Peter Kinkley, Nathan Chapman, Thomas Hill, Bar- 
ney M'Clair, Westerly Johnson, Samuel Spywood, Francis 
Cummings, Thomas Reed, Charles Vandyke, William Simp- 
son, Jesse Williams, ordinary seamen, severely ; James 
Hadley, ordinary seaman, slightly ; James Bird, William 
Burnett, William Baggs, David Christie, Henry Vanpool, 
marines, severely ; Thomas Triff, Elijah Partin, John Ad- 
ams, Charles Harrington, William B. Perkins, landsmen, se- 
verely ; Nathaniel Wade, boy, do.; Newport Hazard, do. 
slightly. — 61. 

[On the morning of the action, the sick list of the Law- 
rence contained 31 unfit for duty.] 

On board the Niagara. Killed — Peter Morel, seaman, 
Isaac Hardy, ord. seamen. — 2 

Wounded. — John J. Edwards, lieutenant ; John C. 
Cummings, midshipman ; Edward Martin, seaman, since 
dead ; William Davis, ord. seaman, do. Joshua Trapnill, 
marine, do.; Geo. Piatt, Henry Davidson, James Lansford, 
Thomas Wilson, Charles Davidson, Daniel Bennet, seamen; 
Rouvell Hall, Elias Wiley, John M. Stribuck, John Free- 
man, ord. seamen ; John Filton, boatswain's mate ; Ser- 
geant Mason, Corporal Scott, Thomas Miller, John Rumas, 
George M'Manomy, George Scoffield, Samuel Cochran, 
marines — 25. 

[On the morning of the action, the sick Hit of the Niag- 
ara contained 28 unfit for duty.] 

On board the Caledonia. Wounded — James Artus, Isaac 
Perkins, James Phillips, slightly — 3. 

On board the Somcrs. Wounded — Charles Ordeen, God- 
frey Bowman — 2. 

On board the Ariel. Killed — John White, boatswain's 
mate — 1 . 



NAVAL MONUMENT. 01 

Wounded — William Sloss, ord. seaman, slightly ; Rob- 
ert Wilson, seaman, do ; John Lucas, landsman, do. — 3. 

Onboard the Trippe. Wounded — Isaac Green, soldier, 
,26th regiment, badly ; John Failes, do. 17th, slightly — 2. 

Onboard the Porcupine. None killed or wounded. 

On board the Scorpion. Killed — John Clark, midship- 
man ; John Sylhamamer, landsman — 2 

On board the Tigress. None killed or wounded. 

[Two days previous to the action, 57 men unfit for ser- 
vice in the small vessels.] 





RECAPITULATION. 




Killed. 


Wounded. 


Total. 


Lawrence, 


22 


61 


83 


Niagara, 


'2 


25 


27 


Caledonia, 





3 


3 


Somers, 





2 


2 


Ariel, 


1 


3 


4 


Trippe, 







2 


Scorpion, 


2 





2 



27 96 123 

S. HAMBLETON, Purser. 
0. H. PERRY, Captain. 

and senior officer. 

Of the 96 wounded in the battle of Lake Erie, only four 
died : most of the wounded were fit for duty in a short 
time. 

Just before the battle, Com. Perry hoisted the union jack, 
having for a motto the dying words of Lawrence, " don't 
give up the ship." It was received with repeated huzzas by 
the officers and crews. 

The victory of Com. Perry was* the result of skill, cour- 
age, and enterprise, against superiour force. Both the qual- 
ity and amount of the force he had to_ contend with, ought 
to have given a triumph to the other side ; and at the time 



n NAVAL MONUMENT. 

of the surrender, the odds were increased against him, since 
his own ship, after having suffered more than perhaps a ves- 
sel of the same size and force ever did before, had been 
compelled to strike. The immediate termination of the bat- 
tle appears to have been decided by the bold Nelsonian meas- 
ure, of breaking through the British line and coming to 
close action. 

EXTRACT OF A LETTER FROM A NAVAL OFFICER AT 

ERIE. 

October 7, 1813. 

" Had I been able, I should before now have sent you 
some particulars of the action of the memorable 10th of 
September. As we have not many letter writers in our 
squadron, the public will have to put up with the Commo- 
dore's ' round, unvarnished tale ;' which however is very 
well told. All the fault I find with it is, that he himself is 
too much in the back ground. 

" In no action fought this war has the conduct of the 
commanding officer been so conspicuous or so'evidently de- 
cisive of the fate of the battle, as in this. When he dis- 
covered that nothing further could be done in the Lawrence, 
he wisely removed to the Niagara, and by one of the bold- 
est and most judicious manoeuvres ever practised, decided 
the contest at once. Had the Niagara shared the fate of 
the Lawrence, it was his intention to have removed to the 
next best vessel, and so on as long as one of his squadron 
continued to float. The enemy saw him put off, and ac- 
knowledge that they fired a broadside at him. With his 
usual gallantry he went off standing up in the stern of the 
boat ; but the crew insisted on his sitting down. The ene- 
my speak with admiration of the manner in which the 
Lawrence bore down upon them. She continued her course 
so long and so obstinaielv, that thev thought we were croin^ 
to board them. They had a great advantage in having long 
guns. Many of our men were killed on the birth deck and 
in the steerage, nfter they were taken below to be dressed — 



NAVAL MONUMENT. 93 

Midshipman Laub was of this number. One shot went 
through the light room, and knocked the snuff of the can- 
dle into the magazine — the gunner happened to see it imme- 
diately, and extinguished it with his hand : 2 shot passed 
through the magazine ; 2 through the cabin ; 3 or 4 came 
into the ward room — but I believe only one went quite 
through, and that passed a few inches over the surgeon's 
head as he sat in the cockpit. Our short guns lodged their 
shot in the bulwarks of the Detroit ; where a number of 
them now remain. Her bulwarks however were vastly su- 
periour to ours, being of oak and very thick. Many of 
their grape shot came through ours. They acknowledge 
that they threw combustible matter on board of us, which 
set our sails and rigging on fire in several places. I am 
clearly of opinion, that they were better manned than we 
were. They had a much greater number — they had veteran 
troops — their men were all well. We had as motley a crew 
as ever went into action ; and our vessels looked like hospi- 
tal ships. 

" During the whole of the action the most complete or- 
der prevailed on board the Lawrence. There was no noise, 
no bustle, no confusion. As fast as the men were wounded 
they were taken below and replaced by others. The dead 
remained where they fell until the action was over. Capt. 
Perry exhibited that cool, collected, dignified bravery, 
which those acquainted with him would have expected. — 
His countenance all the time was just as composed as if he 
had been engaged in ordinary duty. As soon as the action 
was over he gave all his attention to the securing of the 
prisoners and to the wounded on both sides. Capt. Bar- 
clay declared to one of our officers, several days after the 
action, that Capt. Perry had done himself immortal hon- 
our by his humanity and attention to the wounded prison- 
ers. The action was fought on Friday — Ave got into har- 
bour next day. On Sunday all the officers on both sides, 
who fell, were buried on South Bass Island, at Put-in-Bay, 
with the honours of war. 



94 NAVAL MONUMENT. 

" I am sorry to inform you that Midshipman Claxton died 
of his wounds this morning;. 

" There were two Indian chiefs on board the Detroit. 
The 2d lieutenant informed me, that as soon as the action 
became general they ran below." 

The suit of Com. Perry, on his arrival at Newport, R. I. 
consisted of his brother, and the four sailors that rowed 
him from the Lawrence to the Niagara. It is said that in pas- 
sing from the Lawrence to the Niagara, in an open boat, the 
gallant commodore stood up until he received two broad- 
sides, directed at his little barque from the enemy, and was 
then pulled down by the skirts of his coat, by the faithful 
tars, that accompanied him. > 

Com. Barclay certainly did himself honour by a brave 
and obstinate resistance. He had seen much service, hav- 
ing been dangerously wounded in the battle of Trafalgar, 
and afterwards losing an arm in another engagement with 
the French. In this battle, he was twice carried below, on 
account of his wounds, and unfortunately lost his remain- 
ing hand. 

At a public dinner and ball, given to Com. Barclay, at 
Terrebonne, (Canada) this gallant, but unfortunate officer, 
gave the following toast: — "Commodore Perry, the gallant 
and generous enemy.'''' 

Gen. Harrison sent reinforcements to assist Com. Perry 
in the action, which terminated in the capture of the whole 
British fleet. In return, Com. Perry volunteered with 
Gen. Harrison, and assisted him in the capture of the Brit- 
ish army. 

In the following letter justice is done to the zeal of Gen. 
Harrison and his gallant soldiers. 

Sir, U. S. Schooner Ariel, Sept. 15, 1813. 

The very great assistance, in the action of the 10th inst. 
derived from those men you were pleased to send on board 
the squadron, renders it a duty to return you my sincere 
thanks for so timclv a reinforcement. In fact, Sir, I may 



NAVAL MONUMENT. 95 

say, without those men the victory could not have been 
achieved ; and equally to assure you, that those officers and 
men behaved as became good soldiers and seamen. Those 
who were under my immediate observation, evinced great 
ardour and bravery. Capt. Prevort, of the 2d company of 
infantry, serving on board the Niagara, I beg leave to re- 
commend particularly to your notice : he is a brave and 
gallant officer, and as far as I am capable of judging, an 
excellent one. I am convinced you will present the merit of 
this officer to the view of the Hon. Secretary of War, as I 
shall to the Hon. Secretary of the Navy. 
Very respectfully, I am, sir, 

your obedient servant, 
Maj. Gen.W. H. Harrison, 0. H. PERRY. 

Commander in chief of the JV. W. army. 

An officer on board the Lawrence, and a volunteer on 
board the same vessel, having circulated a report, that the 
Niagara, commanded by Capt. Jesse D. Elliott, had not ta- 
ken an active part in the battle, the following notes of Cap- 
tains Perry and Elliott are inserted, which prove the report 
to have been totally false. 

United States Brig Niagara, 
Sir, Put-in-Bay, September 18, 1813. 

I am informed a report has been circulated by some ma- 
licious person, prejudicial to my vessel, when engaged with 
the enemy's fleet. I will thank you, if you will, with can- 
dour, state to me the conduct of myself, officers and crew. 

Respectfully your obedient servant, 
Capt. O. H. Perry. JESSE D. ELLIOTT. 

United States Schooner Ariel, 
My dear sir, Put-in-Bay, September 18, 1813. 

I received your note last evening after I had turned in, 
or I should have answered it immediately. I am indig- 
nant that any report should be circulated, prejudicial to 
your character, as respects the action of the 10th instant. 



9G NAVAL MONUMENT. 

It affords me great pleasure that I have it in my power to 
assure you, that the conduct of yourself, officers, and crew 
was such as to meet my warmest approbation. And I con- 
sider the circumstance of your volunteering and bringing 
the small vessels into close action, as contributing largely to 
o ur victory. I shall ever believe it a premeditated plan to 
destroy our commanding vessel. I have no doubt had not 
the Queen Charlotte run from the Niagara, from the superi- 
our order I observed her in, you would have taken her in 
twenty minutes. 

With sentiments of esteem I am, dear Sir, 

your friend and obedient servant, 
Capt. J. D. Elliott. O. H. PERRY. 

The following is the opinion of the court of inquiry, 
held on board the United States sloop of war Ontario, in 
the harbour of New York, in pursuance of the following 
orders. 

Sir, Navy Department, April 20, 1815. 

It has been stated to this department, that by the proceed- 
ings of a court of inquiry, in Great Britain, ordered to in- 
vestigate the causes of the loss of the British fleet on Lake 
Erie, on the 10th of September 1813, the conduct of Capt. 
Jesse D. Elliott, of the United States navy, who command- 
ed the brig Niagara on that day, is misrepresented ; justice 
to the reputation of Capt. Elliott, and to the navy of the 
United States, requires that a true statement of the facts in 
relation to his conduct on that occasion, be exhibited to the 
world. The court therefore, of which you are president, 
will immediately proceed to inquire into the same, to as- 
certain the part he sustained in the action of that day, and 
report its opinion thereon to this department. 

I am very respectfully, your obedient servant, 
Com. Alex. Murray, B. W. CROWNINGSHIELD. 
New York. 

The court of inquiry, convened at the request of Capt. 
Jesse D. Elliott, having deliberately examined all the evi- 



NAVAL MONUMENT. 97 

denccs produced before them, for the purpose of investiga- 
ting his conduct in the glorious battle on Lake Erie, on the 
10th of September 1813, in which he bore so conspicuous a 
part, sincerely regret, that there should have been any di- 
versity of opinion respecting the events of that day ; and 
imperious duty compels the court to promulgate testimony 
that appears materially to vary in some of its important 
points. The court however feel convinced, that the at- 
tempts to wrest from Capt. Elliott the laurels he gained in 
that splendid victory, as second in command under that gal- 
lant and highly meritorious officer, Capt. Perry, ought in 
no wise to lessen him in the opinion of his fellow citizens, 
as a brave and skilful officer, and that the charge made in 
the proceedings of the British court martial, by which Capt. 
Barclay was tried, of his attempting to withdraw from the 
battle, is malicious, and unfounded in fact. On the contra- 
ry, it has been proved to the satisfaction of this court, that 
the enemy's ship, Queen Charlotte, bore off from the fire of 
the Niagara, commanded by Capt. Elliott. 

ALEXANDER MURRAY, Pres. 

HENRY WHEATON,J M %e^. 
Approved, B. W. Crowningshield. 



LOSS OF THE ESSEX. 

COPY OF A LETTER FROM CAPTAIN PORTER, TO THE 

SECRETARY OF THE NAVY. 

Sir, Essex Junior, at sea, July 3, 1814. 

I have done myself the honour to address you repeatedly, 
since I left the Delaware ; but have scarcely a hope that one 
of my letters has reached you ; therefore consider it ne- 
cessary to give a brief history of my proceeding since that 
period. 

I sailed from the Delaware on the 27th of October 1812, 
and repaired, with all diligence, (agreeably to instruction 
from Com. Bainbridge) to Port Praya, Fernando de Noron- 
ho, and Cape Frio ; and arrived at each place on the day 

15 




98 NAVAL MONUMENT. 

appointed to meet him. On my passage from Port Pray a 
to Fernando de Noronho, I captured H. B. M. packet Noc- 
ton ; and after taking out about 11,000/. sterling in specie, 
sent her under command of Lieut. Finch, for America. I 
cruised off Rio de Janeiro, and about Cape Frio, until the 
12th January 1813, hearing frequently of the Commodore, 
by vessels from Bahia. I here captured but one schooner, 
with hides and tallow. I sent her into Rio. The Montague, 
the admiral's ship, being in pursuit of me, my provisions 
now getting short, and finding it necessary to look out for a 
supply, to enable me to meet the commodore by the 1st of 
April off St. Helena, I proceed to the Island of St. Cathar- 
ines, (the last place of rendezvous on the coast of Brazil) 
as the most likely to supply my wants, and at the same time 
afford me that secrecy necessary to enable me to elude the 
British ships of war on the coast, and expected there. I 
here could procure only wood, water and rum, and a few 
bags of flour ; and hearing of the commodore's action with 
the Java, the capture of the Hornet by the Montague, and a 
considerable augmentation of the British force on the coast, 
and of several being in pursuit of me, I found it necessary 
to get to sea as soon as possible. I now, agreeably to the 
commodore's plan, stretched to the southward, scouring the 
coast as far as Rio de la Plata. I heard that Buenos Avres 
was in a state of starvation, and could not supply our 
wants ; and that the government of Montevideo was very 
inimical to us. The commodore's instructions now left it 
discretionary with me what course to pursue, and I deter- 
mined on following that which had not only met his appro- 
bation, but the approbation of the then secretary of the 
navy. I accordingly shaped my course for the Pacific ; and 
after suffering greatly from short allowance of provisions 
and heavy gales off Cape Ho mi (for which my ship and 
men were illy provided) I arrived at Valparaiso on the 14th 
March 1813. I here took in as much jerked beef, and oth- 
er provisions, as my ship would conveniently stow, and run 
down the coast of Chili nnd Peru ; in this track, I fell in 



rem a 



NAVAL MONUMENT 



99 



with a Peruvian corsair, which had on beard 24 American* 
as prisoners, the crews of 2 whale ships, which she had 
taken on the coast of Chili. The captain informed me, 
that as the allies of Great Britain, they would capture all 
they should meet with, in expectation of a war between 
Spain and the United States. I consequently threw all his 
guns and ammunition into the sea, liberated the Americans, 
wrote a respectful letter to the Vice Roy, explaining the 
cause of my proceedings, which I delivered to her captain. 
I then proceeded for Lima, and re-captured one of the ves- 
sels as she was entering the port. From thence I proceed- 
ed for the Gallapagos islands, where I cruised from the 17th 
April, until the 3d October, 1813 ; during which time I 
touched only once on the coast of America, which was for 
the purpose of procuring a supply of fresh water, as none 
is to be found among those islands ; which are perhaps the 
most barren and desolate of any known. 

While among this group, I captured the following Brit- 
ish ships, employed chiefly in the spermaceti whale fishery 
— viz. 

LETTERS OF MARQUE. 





Tons. 


Men. 


Guns. 


Pierced for 


Montezuma, 


270 


21 


2 




Policy, 


175 


26 


10 


18 


Georgiana, 


280 


25 


6 


18 


Greenwich, 


338 


25 


10 


20 


Atlantic, 


353 


24 


8 


20 


Rose, 


220 


21 


8 


20 


Hector, 


270 


25 


11 


20 


Catharine, 


270 


29 


8 


18 


Seringapatam, 


357 


31 


14 


26 


Charlton, 


274 


21 


10 


18 


New Zealander 


, 259 


23 


8 


13 


Sir A. Hammon 


id, 301 


31 


12 


18 



$369 



302 



107 



100 NAVAL MONUMENT. 

As some of those ships were captured by boats, and oth- 
ers by prizes, my officers and men had several opportunities 
of shewing their gallantry. 

The Rose and Charlton were given up to the prisoners ; 
the Hector, Catharine, nm\ JlTontezuma, I sent to Valparaiso, 
where they were laid up ; the Policy, Georgiana, and New- 
Zealandcr I sent for America ; the Greenwich I kept as a store 
ship, to contain the stores of my other prizes, necessary for 
us ; and the Atlantic, now called the Essex-Junior, I equip- 
ped with 20 guns, and gave command of her to Lieut. 
Downes. 

Lieut. Downes had convoyed the prizes to Valparaiso, 
and on his return brought me letters informing me, that a 
squadron under the command of Com. James Hillyar, con- 
sisting of the frigate Phccbe, of 36 guns, the Racoon and 
Cherub sloops of war, and a store ship of 20 guns, had sail- 
ed on the 6th of July for this sea. The Racoon and Cherub 
had been seeking me for some time on the coast of Brazil, 
and on their return from their cruise, joined the squadron 
sent in search of me to the Pacific. My ship, as it may be 
supposed, after being near a year at sea, required some re- 
pairs to put her in a state to meet them ; which I determin- 
ed to do, and to bring them to action, if I could meet them 
on nearly equal terms. I proceeded now, in company with 
the remainder of my prizes, to the island of Nooaheevah, 
or Madison Island, lying in the Washington groupe, disco- 
vered by Capt. Ingraham of Boston : here I caulked and 
completely overhauled my ship, made for her a new set of 
water casks, her old ones being entirely decayed, and took 
on board from my prizes provisions and stores for upwards 
of four months, and sailed for the coast of Chili on the 12th 
December, 1813. Previous to sailing, I secured the Seren- 
gapatam, Greenwhh, and Sir JUndrew Hammond under the 
guns of a battery, which I erected for their protection. Af- 
ter taking possession of this fine island for the United States, 
and establishing the most friendly intercourse with the na- 



NAVAL MONUMENT. 101 

tives, I left them under the charge of Lieut. Gamble of the 
marines, with twenty-one men, with orders to repair to 
Valparaiso, after a certain period. 

I arrived on the coast of Chili on the 12th January, 1814 ; 
looked into Conception and Valparaiso, found at both pla- 
ces only three English vessels, and learned that the squadron, 
which sailed from Rio de Janeiro for that sea, had not been 
heard of since their departure ; and were supposed to be 
lost in endeavouring to double Cape-Horn. 

1 had completely broken up the British navigation in the 
Pacific ; the vessels which had not been captured by me, 
were laid up, and dared not venture out. I had afforded 
the most ample protection to our own vessels, which were 
on my arrival, very numerous and unprotected. The valu- 
able whale fishery there is entirely destroyed, and the actu- 
al injury we have done them may be estimated at two and a 
half millions of dollars, independent of the expenses of the 
vessels in search of me. They have furnished me amply 
with sales, cordage, cables, anchors, provisions, medicines, 
and stores of every description ; and the slops on board 
them have furnished clothing for the seamen. We have in 
fact lived on the enemy since I have been in that sea, every 
prize having proved a well found store-ship for me. I had 
not yet been under the necessity of drawing bills on the de- 
partment for any object, and had been enabled to make con- 
siderable advances to my officers and crew on account of 
pay. 

For the unexampled time we had kept the sea, my crew 
had been remarkably healthy ; I had but one case of the 
scurvy ; and had lost only the following men by death, viz. 
John S. Cowan, lieutenant ; Robert Miller, surgeon ; Levi 
Holmes, Edward Sweeney, ord. seamen ; Samuel Groce, 
seaman ; James Spafford, gunner's mate ; Benjamin Geers, 
John Rodgers, quarter-gunners ; Andrew Mahan, corporal 
of marines ; Lewis Price, private marine. 

I had done all the injury that could be done the British 
commerce in the Pacific, and still hoped to signalize iny 



102 NAVAL MONUMENT. 

cruise by something more splendid before leaving that sea. 
I thought it not improbable that Com. Hillyar might have 
kept his arrival secret, and believing that he would seek me 
at Valparaiso, as the most likely place to find me, I there- 
fore determined to cruise about that place, and should I fail 
of meeting him, hoped to be compensated by the capture of 
some merchant ships, said to be expected from England. 

The Plutbe, agreeably to my expectations, came to seek 
me at Valparaiso, where I was anchored with the Essex, and 
my armed prize the Essex-Junior, under the command of 
Lieut. Dowries, on the look out of the harbour ; but con- 
trary to the course I thought he would pursue, Com. Hill- 
yar brought with him the Cherub sloop of war, mounting 
twenty-eight guns, eighteen 32 pound carronades, eight 24s, 
and two long 9s on the quarter deck and forecastle, and a 
complement of 180 men. The force of the Pluebe is as fol- 
lows : — thirty long 18 pounders, sixteen 32 pound carron- 
ades, one howitzer, and six three pounders in the tops, in 
all fifty-three guns, and a complement of 320 men ; making 
a force of eighty-one guns and 500 men ; in addition to 
which, they took on board the crew of an English letter of 
marque lying in port. Both ships had picked crews, and 
were sent into the Pacific in company with the Racoon of 22 
guns, and a store ship of twenty guns, for the express pur- 
pose of seeking the Essex, and were prepared with flags, 
bearing the motto, " God and country ; British sailor's best 
rights; traitors offend both." This was intended as a re- 
ply to my motto, " free trade and sailor's rights," under 
the erroneous impression that my crew were, chiefly Eng- 
lishmen, or to counteract its effect on their own crews. The 
force of the Essex was 46 guns, forty 32 pound carronades, 
and six long 12s, and her crew, which had been much re- 
duced by prizes, amounted only to 256 men. The Essex- 
Junior, which was intended chiefly as a store ship, mounted 
20 guns, ten 18 pound carronades, and ten short 7s, with on- 
ly 60 men on board. In reply to their motto, I wrote nl 



NAVAL MONUMENT. 103 

my mizen, " God, our country, and liberty : tyrants offend 
them." 

On getting- their provisions on board, they went off the 
port for the purpose of blockading me, where they cruised 
for near six weeks ; during which time I endeavoured to 
provoke a challenge, and frequently, but ineffectually, to 
bring the Phcebe alone to action, first with both my ships, 
and afterwards with my single ship, with both crews on 
board. I was several times under way, and ascertained that 
I had greatly the advantage in point of sailing, and once 
succeeded inclosing within gun-shot of the Pluebe, and com- 
menced a fire on her, when she ran down for the Cherub, 
which was two miles and a half to leeward. This excited 
some surprize and expressions of indignation, as previous 
to my getting under way, she hove to off the port, hoisted 
her motto flag and fired a gun to windward. Com. Hill- 
yar seemed determined to avoid a contest with me on near- 
ly equal terms, and from his extreme prudence in keeping 
both his ships ever after constantly within hail of each oth- 
er, there were no hopes of any advantages to my country 
from a longer stay in port. I therefore determined to put 
to sea the first opportunity which should offer ; and I was 
the more strongly induced to do so, as I had received cer- 
tain intelligence that the Tagus^ rated 38, and tAvo other fri- 
gates, had sailed for that sea in pursuit of me ; and I had 
reason to expect the arrival of the Racoon from the N. W. 
coast of America, where she had been sent for the purpose 
of destroying our fur establishment on the Columbia. A 
rendezvous was appointed for the Essex-Junior and every 
arrangement made for sailing, and I intended to let them 
chase me off, to give the Essex-Junior an opportunity of es- 
caping. On the 28th March, the day after this determina- 
tion was formed, the wind came on to blow fresh from the 
southward, when I parted my larboard cable, and dragged 
my starboard anchor directly out to sea. Not a moment 
was to be lost in getting sail on the ship. The enemy were 
close in with the point forming the west side of the bay : 



104 NAVAL MONUMENT. 

but on opening them, I saw a prospect of passing to wind- 
ward, when I took in my top-gallant sails, which were set 
over single-reefed top-sails, and braced up for this purpose ; 
but on rounding the point, a heavy squall struck the ship 
and carried away her main top mast, precipitating the men 
who were aloft into the sea, who were drowned. Both ships 
now gave chase to me, and I endeavoured in my disabled 
state to regain the port ; but finding I could not recover 
the common anchorage, I ran close into a small bay about 
three cmarters of a mile to leeward of the battery on the 
cast side of the harbour, and let go my anchor within pistol 
shot of the shore, where I intended to repair my damages 
as soon as possible. 

The enemy continued to approach, and shewed an evi- 
dent intention of attacking, regardless of the neutrality of 
the place where I was anchored ; and the caution observed 
in their approach to the attack of the crippled Essex, was 
truly ridiculous, as was their display of their motto flags, 
and the number of jacks at their mast heads. I, with as 
much expedition as circumstances would admit of, got my 
ship ready for action, and endeavoured to get a spring on 
my cable, but had not succeeded when the enemy, at 54 
minutes after 3, P. M. made his attack, the Plmbe placing 
herself under my stern, and the Cherub on my starboard 
bow ; but the Cherub soon finding her situation a hot one, 
bore up and ran under my stern also, where both ships kept 
up a hot raking fire. I had got three long 12 pounders out 
of the stern ports, which were worked with so much bra- 
very and skill, that in half an hour Ave so disabled both as 
to compel them to haul off to repair damages. In the course 
of this firing, I had by the great exertions of Mr. Edward 
Barnewell, the acting sailing master, assisted by Mr. Lins- 
cott, the boatswain, succeeded in getting springs on our ca- 
ble three different times ; but the fire of the enemy was so 
excessive, that before we could get our broadside to bear, 
they were shot away, and thus rendered useless to us. My 
-hip had received many injuries, and several had been kill- 



will 

iliiii 




NAVAL MONUMENT. 105 

ed and wounded ; but my brave officers and men, notwith- 
standing the unfavourable circumstances under which we 
were brought to action, and the powerful force opposed to 
us, were no ways discouraged ; and all appeared determin- 
ed to defend their ship to the last extremity, and to die in 
preference to a shameful surrender. Our gaff, with the en- 
sign, and the motto flag at the mizen, had been shot away, 
but " free trade and sailors' rights" continued to fly at the 
fore. Our ensign was replaced by another ; and to guard 
against a similar event, an ensign was made fast in the mizen 
rigging, and several jacks were hoisted in different parts of 
the ship. The enemy soon repaired his damages for a fresh 
attack : he now placed himself with both his ships, on my 
starboard quarter, out of the reach of my carronades, and 
where my stern guns could not be brought to bear : he 
there kept up a most galling fire, which it was out of my 
power to return, when I saw no prospect of injuring him 
without getting under way and becoming the assailant. My 
top-sail sheets and haliards were all shot away, as well as 
the jib and fore-top-mast stay-sail haliards. The only rope 
not cut away was the flying-jib haliards ; and that being 
the only sail I could set, I caused it to be hoisted, my cable 
to be cut, and ran down on both ships, Avith an intention of 
laying the PJioibe on board. The firing on both sides was 
now tremendous ; I had let fall my fore-top-sail and fore- 
sail, but the want of tacks and sheets rendered them almost 
useless to us — yet we were enabled, for a short time, to 
close with the enemy ; and although our decks were now 
strewed with dead, and our cock-pit filled with wounded — 
although our ship had been several times on fire, and was 
rendered a perfect wreck, we were still encouraged to hope 
to save her, from the circumstance of the Cherub, from her 
crippled state, being compelled to haul off. She did not 
return to close action again, although she apparently had it 
in her power to do so, but kept up a distant firing with 
her long guns. The Phcebe, from our disabled state, 

was enabled, however, bv edging off, to choose the dis- 

16 * 



106 NAVAL MONUMENT. 

tance which best suited her long guns, and kept up a 
tremendous fire on us, which mowed down my brave com- 
panions by the dozen. Many of my guns had been render- 
ed useless by the enemy's shot, and many of them had their 
whole crews destroyed. We manned them again from 
those which were disabled, and one gun in particular was 
three times manned — fifteen men were slain at it, in the 
course of the action ! But, strange as it may appear, the 
captain of it escaped with only a slight wound. Finding 
that the enemy had it in his power to choose his distance, I 
now gave up all hopes of closing with him, and, as the 
wind, for the moment, seemed to favour the design, I deter- 
mined to endeavour to run her on shore, land my men, 
and destroy her. Every thing seemed to favour my wish- 
es. 

We had approached the shore within musket shot, and I 
had no doubt of succeeding, when, in an instant, the wind 
shifted from the land (as is very common in this port in the 
latter part of the day) and payed our head down on the 
Phcebe, where we were again exposed to a dreadful raking 
fire. My ship was now totally unmanageable ; yet as her 
head was toward the enemy, and he to leeward of me, I 
still hoped to be able to board him. At this moment, Lieut. 
Commandant Downes came on board to receive my orders, 
under the impression that I should soon be a prisoner. He 
could be of no use to me in the then wretched state of the 
Essex — and finding (from the enemy's putting his helm up) 
that my attempt at boarding would not succeed, I directed 
him, after he had been about 10 minutes on board, to re- 
turn to his own ship, to be prepared for defending and des- 
troying her in case of attack. He took with him several 
of my wounded, leaving three of his boat's crew on board 
to make room for them. The Cherub now had an oppor- 
tunity of distinguishing herself, by keeping up a hot fire 
on him during his return. The slaughter on board my ship 
had now become horrible, the enemy continuing to rake us, 
and we unable to bring a gun to bear. I therefore directed 



NATAL MONUMENT. 107 

a hawser to be bent to the sheet anchor, and the anchor to 
be cut from the bows to bring her head round : this suc- 
ceeded. We again got our broadside to bear, and as the 
enemy was much crippled and unable to hold his own, I 
have no doubt he would soon have drifted out of gun shot 
before he discovered we had anchored, had not the hawser 
unfortunately parted. My ship had taken fire several times 
during the action, but alarmingly so forewardand aft at this 
moment — flames were bursting up each hatchway, and no 
hopes were entertained of saving her. Our distance from 
the shore did not exceed three quarters of a mile, and I 
hoped many of my brave crew would be able to save them- 
selves, should the ship blow up, as I was informed the fire 
was near the magazine, and the explosion of a large quanti- 
ty of powder below served to increase the horrors of our 
situation — our boats were destroyed by the enemy's shot ; 
I therefore directed those who could swim to jump over- 
board, and endeavour to gain the shore — some reached it — 
some were taken by the enemy, and some perished in the 
attempt ; but most preferred sharing with me the fate of the 
ship. We, who remained, now turned our attention whol- 
ly to extinguishing the flames : and when we had succeed- 
ed, went again to our guns, where the firing was kept up 
for some minutes, but the crew had by this time become so 
weakened, that they all declared to me the impossibility of 
making further resistance, and entreated me to surrender 
my ship to save the wounded, as all further attempt at op- 
position must prove ineffectual, almost every gun being dis- 
abled by the destruction of their crews. I now sent for the 
officers of divisions to consult them ; but what was my 
surprise to find only acting Lieutenant Stephen Decatur 
M'Knight remaining, (who confirmed the report respecting 
the condition of the guns on the gun-deck — those on the 
spar-deck were not in a better state.) Lieut. Wilmer, after 
fighting most gallantly throughout the action, had been 
knocked overboard by a splinter while getting the sheet 
anchor from the bows, and was drowned. Acting Lieuten- 



108 NAVAL MONUiMENT. 

ant John G. Cowell had lost a leg ; Mr. Edward Barnewell, 
acting sailing master, had been carried below, after receiv- 
ing tAVo severe wounds, one in the breast and one in the 
face ; and acting Lieutenant William H. Odenheimer had 
been knocked overboard from the quarter an instant be- 
fore, and did not regain the ship until after the surrender. 
I was informed that the cockpit, the steerage, the ward 
room, and the birth deck could contain no more wounded ; 
that the wounded were killed while the surgeons were dres- 
sing them ; and that unless something was speedily done to 
prevent it, the ship would soon sink from the number of 
shot holes in her bottom. On sending for the carpenter, he 
informed me that all his crew had been killed or wounded, 
and that he had once been over the side to stop the leaks, 
when his slings had been shot a\vay, and it was with diffi- 
culty he was saved from drowning. The enemy, from the 
smoothness of the water, and the impossibility of our 
reaching him with our carronades, and the little apprehen- 
sion that was excited by our fire, which had now become 
much slackened, was enabled to take aim at us as at a tar- 
get : his shot never missed our hull, and my ship was cut 
up in a manner, which was, perhaps, never before witnessed 
— in fine, I saw no hopes of saving her, and at 20 minutes 
after 6 P. M. gave the painful order to strike the colours. 
Seventy-five men, including officers, were all that remained 
of my whole crew, after the action, capable of doing duty, 
and many of them severely wounded, some of whom have 
since died. The enemy still continued his fire, and my 
brave, though unfortunate companions, were still falling 
about me. I directed an opposite gun to be fired, to shew 
them we intended no farther resistance ; but they did not 
desist ; four men were killed at my side, and others at dif- 
ferent parts of the ship. I now believed he intended to 
show us no quarter, and that it would be as well to die with 
my flag filing as struck, and was on the point of again hois- 
ting it, when about 10 minutes after hauling the colonic 
down he ceased firing. 



NAVAL MONUMENT. 109 

I cannot speak in sufficiently high terms of the conduct 
of those engaged for such an unparalleled length of time 
(under such circumstances) with me in the arduous and un- 
equal contest. Let it suffice to say, that more bravery, skill, 
patriotism and zeal, were never displayed on any occasion. 
Every one seemed determined to die in defence of their 
much loved country's cause, and nothing but views of hu- 
manity could ever have reconciled them to the surrender of 
the ship ; they remembered their wounded and helpless 
shipmates below. To acting Lieutenants M'Knight and 
Odenheimer, I feel much indebted for their great exertions 
and bravery throughout the action, in fighting and encour- 
aging the men at their divisions, for the dexterous manage- 
ment of the long guns, and for their promptness in reman- 
ning their guns as their crews were slaughtered. The con- 
duct of that brave and heroic officer, acting Lieutenant 
John G. Cowell, who lost his leg in the latter part of the 
action, excited the admiration of every man in the ship, and 
after being wounded, would not consent to be taken below, 
until loss of blood rendered him insensible. Mr. Edward 
Barnewell, acting sailing-master, whose activity and cour- 
age were equally conspicuous, returned on deck after re- 
ceiving his first wound, and remained after receiving his 
second, until fainting with loss of blood. Mr. Samuel B. 
Johnston, who had joined me the day before, and acted as 
marine officer, conducted himself with great bravery, and 
exerted himself in assisting at the long guns ; the musketry 
after the first half hour being useless from our long dis- 
tance. 

Mr. M. W. Bostwick, whom I had appointed acting pur- 
ser of the Essex-Junior, and who was on board my ship, 
did the duties of aid in a manner which reflects on him the 
highest honour : and Midshipmen Isaacs, Farrugut, and 
Ogden, as well as acting Midshipmen James Terry, James 
R. Lyman and Samuel Duzenbury, and Master's Mate Wil- 
liam Pierce, exerted themselves in the performance of their 
respective duties, and gave an earnest of their value to the 



110 NAVAL MONUMENT. 

service ; the three first are too young to recommend for 
promotion ; the latter I beg leave to recommend for con- 
firmation, as well as the acting lieutenants and Messrs. Barne- 
well, Johnston and Bostwick. 

We have been unfortunate, but not disgraced — the defence 
of the Essex has not been less honourable to her officers 
and her crew, than the capture of an equal force ; and I now 
consider my situation less unpleasant, than that of Com. 
Hillyar, who, in violation of every principle of honour and 
generosity, and regardless of the rights of nations, attacked 
the Essex in her crippled state, within pistol shot of a neu- 
tral shore, when for six weeks I had daily offered him fair 
and honourable combat, on terms greatly to his advantage. 
The blood of the slain must rest on his head ; and he has yet 
to reconcile his conduct to heaven, to his conscience, and to 
the world. The annexed extracts of a letter from Com. 
Hillyar, which was written previous to his returning me 
my sword, will shew his opinion of our conduct. 

My loss has been dreadfully severe, 58 killed, or have 
since died of their wounds, and among them Lieut. Cowell ; 
39 were severely wounded, 27 slightly, and 31 are missing ; 
making in all 154 killed, wounded, and missing, a list of 
whose names is annexed. 

The professional knowledge of Dr. Richard Hoffman, act- 
ing surgeon, and Dr. Alexander Montgomery, acting sur- 
geon's mate, added to their assiduity and the benevolent at- 
tentions and assistance of Mr. D. P. Adams, the chaplain, 
saved the lives of many of the wounded ; those gentlemen 
have been indefatigable in their attentions to them ; the two 
first I beg leave to recommend for confirmation, and the lat- 
ter to the notice of the department. 

I must in justification of myself observe, that with our six 
12 pounders only, we fought this action — our carronades 
being almost useless. 

The loss in killed and wounded has been great with the 
enemy ; among the former is the first lieutenant of the Phm- 
fcc, and of the latter Capt. Tucker of the Cherub, whose 



NAVAL MONUMENT. Ill 

wounds are severe. Both the Essex and Phcebe were in a 
sinking state, and it was with difficulty they could be kept 
afloat until they anchored in Valparaiso next morning. 
The battered state of the Essex will, I believe, prevent her 
ever reaching England, and I also think it will be out of 
their power to repair the damages of the Phoebe, so as to en- 
able her to double Cape Horn. All the masts and yards of 
the Phcebe and Cherub are badly crippled, and their hulls 
much cut up ; the former had eighteen 12 pound shot through 
her, below her water line, some three feet under water. 
Nothing but the smoothness of the water saved both the 
Phcebe and Essex. 

I hope, Sir, that our conduct may prove satisfactory to 
our country, and that it will testify it by obtaining our spee- 
dy exchange, that we may again have it in our power to 
prove our zeal. 

Commodore Hillyar, I am informed, has thought proper 
to state to his government that the action lasted only 45 min- 
utes ; should he have done so, the motive may be easily dis- 
covered — but the thousand of disinterested witnesses who . 
covered the surrounding hills, can testify that we fought 
his ships near two hours and an half; upwards of fifty 
broadsides were fired by the enemy agreeably to their own 
accounts, and upwards of seventy-five by ours ; except the 
few minutes they were repairing damages, the firing was in- 
cessant. 

Soon after my capture I entered into an agreement with 
Com. Hillyar to disarm my prize, the Essex- Junior, and pro- 
ceed with the survivors of my officers and crew in her to 
the United States, taking with me all her officers and crew. 
He consented to grant her a passport to secure her from re- 
capture. The ship was small, and we knew we had much 
to suffer, yet we hoped soon to reach our country in safety, 
that we might again have it in our power to serve it. This 
arrangement was attended with no additional expense, as 
she was abundantly supplied with provisions and stores for 
the voyage. 



[12 NAVAL MONUMENT. 

In justice to Com. Hillyar, I must observe, that, although 
I can never be reconciled to the manner of his attack on the 
Essex, or to his conduct before the action, he has, since our 
capture, shown the greatest humanity to my wounded, whom 
he permitted me to land, on condition that the United States 
should bear their expenses, and has endeavoured as much as 
lav in his power to alleviate the distresses of war by the 
most generous and delicate deportment towards myself, my 
officers and crew ; he gave orders that the property of ev- 
ery person should be respected — his orders, however, 
were not so strictly attended to as might have been expect- 
ed ; besides being deprived of books, charts, &c. &c. both 
myself and officers lost many articles of our clothing, some 
to a considerable amount. I should not have considered 
this last circumstance of sufficient importance to notice, did 
it not mark a striking difference between the navy of Great 
Britain and that of the United States, highly creditable to 
the latter. 

By the arrival of the Tagus, a few days after my capture, 
1 was informed that besides the ships which had arrived in 
the Pacific in pursuit of me, and those still expected, others 
were sent to cruise for me in the China seas, oft" New Zea- 
land, Timour, and New Holland, and that another frigate 
was sent to the river La Plata. 

To possess the Essex, it has cost the British government 
near six millions of dollars ; and yet, Sir, her capture was 
owing entirely to accident ; and if we consider the expedi- 
tion with which naval contests are now decided, the action 
is a dishonour to them. Had they brought their ships bold- 
ly to action with a force so very superiour, and having the 
choice of position, they should either have captured or de- 
stroved us in one fourth the time they were about it. 

During the action, our Consul General, Mr. Poinsett, cal- 
led on the governour of Valparaiso, and requested that the 
batteries might protect the Essex. The request was refused, 
but he promised that if she should succeed in fighting her 
way to the common anchorage, he would send an officer to 



NAVAL MONUMENT. 113 

the British commander and request him to cease firing, but 
declined using force under any circumstances, and there is 
no doubt a perfect understanding - existed between them. 
This conduct added to the assistance given to the British, 
and .their friendly reception after the action, and the strehg 
bias of the faction which governs Chili in favour of the 
English, as well as their hostility to the Americans, induced 
Mr. Poinsett to leave that country. Under such circum- 
stances, I did not conceive that it would be proper for me 
to claim the restoration of my ship, confident that the claim 
would be made by my government to more effect. Finding 
some difficulty in the sale of my prizes, I had taken the Hec- 
tor and Catharine to sea, and burnt them with their cargoes. 

I exchanged Lieut. M'Knight, Mr. Adams and Mr. Ly- 
man, and eleven seamen, for part of the crew of the Sir 
Andrew Hammond, and sailed from Valparaiso on the 27th 
April, where the enemy were still patching up their ships 
to put them in a state for proceeding to Rio de Janeiro, pre- 
vious to going to England. 

Annexed is a list of the remains of my crew to be ex- 
changed, as also a copy of the correspondence between 
Com. Hillyar and myself on that subject. I also send you 
a list of the prisoners I have taken during my cruise, amoun- 
ting to 343. I have the honour to be, &c. 

Hon. Secr'y of the navy D.PORTER. 

of the United States, Washington. 

P. S. To give vou a correct idea of the state of the 
Essex at the time of her surrender, I send you the boat- 
swain's and carpenter's report of damages ; I also send you 
a report of the divisions. 

A return of the killed, wounded and missing on board of 
the late United States frigate Essex, of 32 guns, 255 men, 
David Porter, Esq. commander, in an action fought on the 
28th March, 1814, in Valparaiso Bay, with the British frig- 
ate Phcebe, of 36 guns, 320 men, James Hillyar, Esq. com- 
mander, and the sloop of war Cherub, mounting 28 guns. 
180 men, commanded by T. Tucker, Esq. 

17 



ill NAVAL MONUMENT 

Killed in action and have since died of their wounds — James 
P. Wilmer, 1st lieutenant ; John G. Cowell, 3d do.; Henry 
Kennedy, boatswain's mate; William Smith, do.; Francis 
Bland, quarter master ; Reuben Marshal, quarter gunner ; 
Thomas Bailey, boatswain's yeoman ; John Adams, coop- 
er ; William Johnson, carpenter's crew : Henry Vickers, 
do ; Z. Mayfield, armourer's crew ; William Christopher, 
captain forecastle ; Nath. Jones, capt. mast ; Joseph Thom- 
as, captain main top ; John Russell, do.; F. Green, George 
Hill, W. R. Cook, George Wine, seamen ; Joseph Ferrill, 
do.; Samuel Miller, Thomas Johnson 1st, do.; Philip 
Thomas, do.; Thomas Nordyb, do.; William White, do.; 
Thomas Mitchell, quarter ; William Lee 1st, ordinary sea- 
man ; Peter Allen, seaman ; John Alvason, do.; John C. 
Kneeling, do.; Benjamin Hazen, do.; Peter Johnson 1st, 
do.; Thomas Bennock, do.; Thomas Brown, do.; Corneli- 
us Thomson, do.; John Linghan, do.: George Douglass, 
do.; Frederick Hall, do.; James Anderson, do.; George 
Hallet, ordinary seaman ; Thomas Terry, seaman ; Charles 
Norgren, do. ; John Cowell, do.; Thomas Davis, do.; 
James Seller, do.; John Clinton, do.; R. Brown, do.; J. 
Jackson, do.; J. Rippley, do.; J. Folger, do.; Daniel F. 
Cassimer, ordinary seaman ; William Jenning, do.; Mark 
Hill, do.; William Lee 2d, do.; George Beaden, do.; Thom- 
as Russell, do.; Lewis Earl, boy; Henry Ruffe, do.; Wil- 
liam Williamson, do. 

Severely wounded — Edward Barnewell, sailing-mas- 
ter ; Edward Linscott, boatswain ; William Kingsbury, 
boatswain Essex jun. George Kinsingen, master at arms; 
Bennet Field, armourer ; John M'Kinsey, Otis Gale, arm- 
ourer's crew ; Jasper Reed, Isaac Valence, captain's stewart ; 
Leonard Green, quarter gunner ; Enoch M. Miley, do.; 
William Whitney, captain fore top ; Thomas Milburn, cap- 
tain of mast ; John Stone, seaman ; Ephraim Baker, capt. 
waist ; John Lazaro, seaman ; Enno Males, capt. waist ; 
William Wood, seaman ; Francis Trepany, do.; John 
Peim,do.; George Williams, do.; William Cole, do.; Hen- 



NAVAL MONUMENT. 115 

ry Barker, do.; John Glasscan, do.; James Goldsborough, 
do.; Lawnderwise, do.; Peter Anderson, do.; John John- 
son, do.; Peter Ripple, do.; Thomas Oliver, do.; George 
Shields, do.; William Hamilton, ordinary seaman ; Thom- 
as Andrews, do.; William Nichols, do.; Benjamin Barslett, 
do.; Daniel Gardiner, do.; Samuel M'Isaacs, boy. 

Slightly wounded — David Narano, sail-maker ; David 
G. Farragut, midshipman ; George W. Isaacs, do.; John 
Langley, carpenter ; John Wible, carpenter's mate ; John 
Reicess, carpenter's crew ; William Boyd, do.; Benjamin 
Wadden, carpenter's yeoman ; John Francis, capt. cox wain ; 
Levi M'Cabe, quarter master ; George Stoutenburg, Wil- 
liam M'Donald, George W. Browne, Shubal Cunningham, 
Robert Scattudes, Antonio Sailer, George Love, William 
Matthews, William Concord, Daniel Hyde, Joseph Will- 
iams, Frederick Hartwell, William Burton, John Sacks, 

William Deacon. 

Missing — George Martin, gunner's mate ; Adam Roach, 

quarter gunner ; John Thomson, quarter master ; Francis 
Davis, seaman ; James Chace, do.; Bartholomew Truhom- 
on, Matthew Lawder, William Holmes, John Bagnel, Thom- 
as Hobbs, Robert Harrison, Edward Leford, Thomas Par- 
sons, Hugh Gibson, James Donnas, Henry Humphries, Wil- 
liam Taylor, Charles Macarty, James M'Crac, James Ma- 
honny, John Deacon, Simon Rogers, Elias W. Saddus, 
John Owens, William Forsyth, George Schlossard, John 
Ayres, George Cable, Thomas Carrol, Charles Moore, Wil- 
liam Holland. 

RECAPITULATION. 

Killed, ... 60 

Severely wounded, - - - 37 

Slightly wounded, - - 25 

Missing, - - - - 31 

Total - 153 



U6 NAVAL MONUMENT. 

During the action, the Essex-Junior lay in the port of 
Valparaiso, under the guns of a Spanish fort, unable to take 
any part in the contest. After the action, Capt. Porter 
and his crew were paroled, and by arrangement permitted 
to come home in the Essex-Junior, and a cartel, with his 
crew. Off the Hook they were detained 24 hours by the 
British razee Saturn, in company with the frigate Narcissus. 
Capt. Porter ieft the Essex-Junior on the 6th of July, in one 
of her yawls, with six men, about thirty miles outside of 
the Hook, and landed on the 7th at Babylon on Long-Island, 
where he procured a waggon, took on board his yawl 
and jolly tars, and reached Brooklyn about five o'clock 
P. M. 

The Essex had landed all her specie, amounting to two 
millions, at Valparaiso previous to her being captured. 

EXTRACT OF A LETTER FROM COM. HILLY AR TO ME. 

My dear Sir, Phoebe, April 4, 1814. 

Neither in my conversations nor the accompanying let- 
ter, have I mentioned your sword. Ascribe my remissness 
in the first instance to forgetful ness ; I consider it only in 
my servant's possession with my own, until the master may 
please to call for it ; and although I omitted, at the moment 
of presentation, from my mind being much engrossed in, 
attending to professional duties, to offer its restoration, the 
hand that received will be most gladly extended, to put it 
in possession of him who wore it so honourably in defend- 
ing his country's cause. 

Believe me, my dear Sir, 

Very faithfully your?, 

JAMES HILLYAR. 
Capt. Porter. 

After some conversation on the subject the following 
correspondence took plscp. 



naval monument. i 1 7 

Sir, Valparaiso, April 4, 1814. 

Taking into consideration the immense distance we are 
from our respective countries, the uncertainty of the future 
movements of his majesty's ships under my command, which 
precludes the possibility of my making a permanent arrange- 
ment for transporting the officers and crew, late of the Es- 
sex, to Europe ; and the fast approaching season which ren- 
ders a passage round Cape Horn in some degree dangerous : 
I have the honour to propose for your approbation the fol- 
lowing articles, which, I hope, the government of the Unit- 
ed States, as well as that of Great Britain, will deem satis- 
factory ; and to request, that should you conceive them so, 
you will favour me with the necessary bond for their fufill- 
ment. 

First. The Essex-Junior to be deprived of all her arma- 
ment and perfectly neutralized ; to be equipped for the voy- 
age solely and wholly at the expense of the American gov- 
ernment ; and to proceed with a proper American officer 
and crew (of which I wish to be furnished with a list, for the 
purpose of giving the necessary passport) to any port of the 
United States of America that you may deem most proper. 

Second. Yourself, the officers, petty officers, seamen, ma- 
rines, &c. composing your crew, to be exchanged immedi- 
ately on their arrival in America, for an equal number of 
British prisoners of similar rank. — Yourself and officers to 
be considered on their parole of honour until your and their 
exchange shall be effected. 

In case of the foregoing articles being accepted, the Essex- 
Junior, will be expected to prepare immediately for the voy- 
age, and to proceed on it before the expiration of the pres- 
ent month : should any of the wounded at [that period be 
found incapable of removal, from not being sufficiently ad- 
vanced in their recovery, the most humane attention shall 
be paid them ; and they shall be forwarded home by the first 
favourable conveyance that may offer. 

I have the honour to be, &c. 

Capt. David Porter, JAMES HILLYAR. 

1*te commander of the U. S. frigate Essex. 



1 18 NAVAL MONUMENT. 

Sir, Valparaiso, 5 April, 1814. 

1 have the honour to acknowledge the receipt of your 
everal favours of yesterday's date. 

The conditions offered by you for our return to the Unit- 
ed States are perfectly satisfactory to me, and I entertain no 
doubts of their being aqually so to my country ; I therefore 
do not hesitate to pledge my honour (the strongest bond I 
can give) that every article of the arrangement shall on our 
part be fully complied with. A list of the Essex- Junior 's 
crew shall be furnished you as soon as it ©an be made out, 
and her disarmament effected with all possible dispatch. 
I have the honour to be, &c. 
Com. James Killyar, D. BORTER. 

commanding H. B. 31. frigate Phoebe 

Com. Hillyar sent me a paper, certifying that he had ex 
changed certain individuals therein named, making part of 
the crew of the Sir, Andrew Hammond, for an equal num- 
ber of the most severely wounded of my crew : this occa- 
sioned the following letters. 

Sir, Valparaiso, 4 April, 1814. 

I have received a paper signed by you, dated yesterday, 
stating, that you had exchanged certain wounded prisoners, 
making part of my crew, for the captain and crew of the 
prize ship Sir Andrew Hammond ; which paper I have taken 
the liberty to return to you, and protest in the strongest 
terms against such an arrangement. 

In the first place the wounded and helpless individuals, 
therein named, do not wish such exchange : one died last 
night, and several others expect to share his fate. 

Secondly, should I from any circumstances be separated 

from them, wnich would be more likely to be the case than 
if they remained prisoners, their situation would be more 

deplorable than it is at present. Thirdly, this arrangement 



NAVAL MONUMENT. 11 'J 

has been made without my consent, and on terms far from 
offering equal advantages to the United States. 
I have the honour to be, &c. 
Com. James Hillyar, D. PORTER. 

commanding H. B. M. ship Phasbe. 

Sir H. B. M. Ship Phcebe, Valparaiso, April, 4 1814. 

I have the honour to acknowledge the receipt of your let- 
ter of this day's date, protesting against the arrangement 
made in the paper you returned, and to express a regret 
that my wish, which was to alleviate and not increase the 
affliction of your wounded officers and crew, has failed of 
being gratified. I am sorry you have thought proper to 
mention the dead and dying, as I so fully explained to you 
this morning, that in the event of the loss of any, other 
names should be added to the list. I shall now direct Capt. 
William Porter to consider himself still a prisoner of war 
on his parole ; but as I have ordered the people to go on 
board the Essex to work, under the impression that no diffi- 
culty would arise, will liberate in exchange for them an 
equal number of prisoners, &s their names, being seamen, 
shall be found to follow each other on your late ship's book, 
and give up also two mates or midshipmen for the two 
mates which are of the English party. I hope this may 
prove satisfactory to your government and self. 

I am yours, &c. 

Capt. D. Porter. JAMES HILLYAR. 

Sir Valparaiso, 5 April, 181 4. 

The arrangement which you have suggested respecting 
the exchange of the seamen of the Sir Andrew Hammond for 
an equal number of seamen of the late United States frigate 
Essex, as they stand on the list furnished you, is perfectly 
satisfactory. It will be great satisfaction to the three offi- 
cers, who accompany the Essex, to know, that after your 
object in taking them with you shall be effected, there will 
be no difficulty in their proceeding immediately for the 
United States. I take the liberty therefore to suggest, that 
they might be exchanged here fov Captain William Porter 



J 20 NAVAL MONUMENT. 

and his three mates. This will he an accommodation to all 
parties, and reconcile the officers so exchanged to a separa- 
tion from their~friends. 

I have the honour to be, &c. 
Com.'JAMES HiLLYAR, D. PORTER. 

commanding H. M. frigate Phcebe. 

COPY OF A LETTER FROM CAPTAIN PORTER TO THE 
SECRETARY OF THE NAVY. 

Sir, Mw-York, July 13, 1814. 

There are some facts relating to our enemy, and although 
not connected with the action, serve to shewhis perfidy, and 
should be known. 

On Com. Hillyar's arrival at Valparaiso, he ran the Phce- 
be close along side of the Essex, and inquired politely after 
my health, observing, that his ship was cleared for action, 
and his men prepared for boarding, I observed, u Sir, if 
you by any accident, get on board of me, I assure you that 
great confusion will take place ; I am prepared to receive 
you, but shall only act on the defensive." He observed, 
cooly and indifferently, "Oh, Sir, I have no such intention ;" 
at this instant his ship took aback on my starboard bow, 
her yards nearly locking with those of the Essex. — I called 
all hands to board the enemy ; and in an instant my crew 
were ready to spring on her decks. Com. Hillyar exclaim- 
ed, with great agitation, u I had no intention of getting on 
board of you ; — I had no intention of coming so near you ; 
I am sorry I come so near you.' 1 His ship fell off with her 
jib-boom over my decks ; her bows exposed to my broad- 
side, her stern to the fire of the Essex-Junior, her crew in 
the greatest confusion, and in fifteen minutes, I could have 
taken or destroyed her- After he had brought his ship to 
anchor, Com. Hillyar andCapt. Tucker of the Cherub, vis- 
ited me on shore ; when I asked him if he intended to re- 
spect the neutrality of the port ; " Sir," said he, " you have 
paid such respect to the neutrality of this port, that I feel 
myself bound, in honour, to do the came." 
I have the honour to be, &c. 

DAVID PORTER. 



NAVAL MONUMENT. 121 

After the capture of the Essex, Capt. Porter entered into 
an arrangement with Com. Hillyar, to transport the servi- 
vors of his crew to the U. States in the Essex-Junior on pa- 
role, on condition that she should receive a passport to se- 
cure her from recapture and detention. On the 5th of July, 
fell in with H. B. M. ship Saturn, Capt Nash, who exam- 
ined the papers of the Essex-Junior, treated Capt. Porter 
with great civility, furnished him with late newspapers, and 
sent him on board some oranges ; and at the same time made 
him an offer of services. The boarding officer endorsed 
the passport, and permitted the ship to proceed. She stood 
on the same tack with the Saturn ; and about 2 hours after- 
wards was again brought to, the papers examined, and the 
ship's hold overhauled by the boat's crew and an officer. 
Capt. Porter expressed his astonishment at such proceedings, 
and was informed that Capt. Nash had his motives. It was 
stated that Com. Hilivar had no authority to make such ar- 
rangement ; that the passport must go on board of the Sat- 
urn again, and the Essex-Junior be detained. Capt. Porter 
then insisted that the smallest detention would be a violation 
of the contract on the part of the British, and that he should 
consider himself as the prisoner of Capt. Nash, and no lon- 
ger on his parole ; at the same time offering his sword, 
which was refused, assuring the officer he would deliver it 
up with the same feelings he had presented it to Com. Hill- 
yar. — The officer went on board, returned and informed 
Capt. Porter, that the Essex-Junior must remain all night 
under the lee of the Saturn. Then, said Capt. Porter, I am 
your prisoner ; 1 do not feel myself bound by any contract 
with Com. Hillyar, and I shall act accordingly. 

At 7 o'clock next morning, the wind being light from the 
soutlnvard, the ships being about 30 or 40 miles from the 
land off the eastern part of Long Island, and about musket 
shot from each other, there appearing no disposition on the 
part of the enemy to liberate the Essex-Junior, Capt. Porter 
determined to attempt his escape. A boat was lowered 

18 



122 NAVAL MONUMENT. 

down, manned and armed ; he desired Capt. Downesto in- 
form Capt Nash, that he was now satisfied that most Brit- 
ish naval officers were not only destitute of honour, but 
regardless of the honour of each other ; that he was armed 
and prepared to defend himself against their boats, if sent 
in pursuit of him ; and that they must hereafter meet him 
as an enemy. He now pulled off from the ship, keeping the 
Essex-Junior in a direct lino between him and the Saturn, 
and o-ot near sun-shot from them before he was discovered : 
at this instant a fresh breeze sprung up, and the Saturn made 
all sail in pursuit of him, but fortunately a thick fog set in 
and concealed him, when he changed his course, and eluded 
them. During the fog he heard a firing, and on its clearing 
up discovered the Saturn in chase of the Essex-Junior, who 
soon brought her to. After rowing and sailing about 60 
miles, Capt. Porter succeeded, with great difficulty and haz- 
ard, in reaching the town of Babylon, (Long Island) where, 
being strongly suspected to be an English officer, he was 
closely interrogated, and his story appearing so extraordi- 
nary, none gave credit ; but on showing his commission all 
doubts were removed, and he met from all the inhabitants 
the most friendly and hospitable reception. 

The following is a copy of the arrangement, concluded 
between Capt. Porter, in behalf of himself and crew, with 
Capt. Hillyar. 

By James Hillyar Es(/. captain of H. B. M. Ship Phoebe, 
and senior officer of his majesty's ships in Valparaiso Bay. 

I hereby certify, that I have on the part of his Britannic 
Majesty, entered into an agreement with Capt. David Por- 
ter, of the United States navy, and late commander of the 
frigate Essex, who, on the part of his government, engages 
as follows, to wit : That himself, his officers and crew will 
proceed to the United States, in tiic ship called the Essex-Jun- 
ior, as a cartel, commanded by Lieutenant John Downes, of 
the United States navy, and having a crew, consisting of the 
officers and men, named in the annexedlist. 



NAVAL MONUMENT. 123 

The said Capt. Porter, his officers and crew, a List of 
which is subjoined, will remain as prisoners of war on pa- 
role, not to take arms against Great Britain until regularly 
exchanged, and that he pledges his honour to fulfil the fore- 
going conditions. I therefore request, that said ship, the 
Essex-Junior, may be permitted to pass freely to the United 
States without any impediment, and that the officers 
commanding the ships of war of his Britannic Majesty, as 
well as those of private armed vessels, and all others in au- 
thority under the British government, also those in alliance 
with his said majesty, will give the said David Porter, his 
officers and crew, and the crew of the aforesaid ship called 
the Essex-Junior, every aid and assistance to enable them to 
arrive at the place of their destination. 

And as it may become necessary for the Essex-Junior to 
touch at one or more places for the purpose of obtaining re- 
freshment and supplies, it is requested, that in such case all, 
to whom this passport may be presented, will give the persons 
on board said ship every facility in supplying their wants, 
and permit them to depart with her without hindrance. 

Given under my hand, on board his majesty's ship Phoe- 
be, at Valparaiso, April, 1814. 

A gentleman, who took part in the engagement, has relat- 
ed the following anecdotes exemplary of that fearless and 
patriotic spirit which animated the whole crew of the Essex, 
and which has characterized our hardy sailors in all their 
combats with the enemy. To the memory of these brave 
fellows their publicity is due ; and we doubt not many more 
instances of chivalrous heroism, resulting from a noble Jove 
of country, might be obtained and recorded, to tbe lasting 
honour of the American name. 

John Ripley, after losing his leg, said 
I can be of no use to you ;" and lea}: of the bo- 

John Alvinson received a cannon ball ( 1 8 pounder) through 
the body ; in the agony of death he exclaimed, "never 
mind, shipmates : T die in defence of 'Free trade and sai- 
lors' r-i-g-h-t-s ; ' ' -dud expired with the word rights quiver- 
ing on his lips. 



\2i NAVAL MONUMENT 

James Anderson had his left leg shot off, and died animat- 
ing his shipmates to fight bravely in defence of liberty. 

After the engagement, Benjamin Hazen, having dressed 
himself in a clean shirt and jerkin, addressed his remaining 
messmates, and telling; them he never could submit to be a 
prisoner to the English, threw himself into the sea. 

LETTER FROM CAPTAIN HILL YAK. TO COMMODORE 

BROWN, STATIONED AT JAMAICA. 

His Majesty's Ship Phcebe, 
Sir, Valparaiso Bay, 30 March, 1814. 

I have the honour to acquaint you that, at 3 o'clock in the 
afternoon of the 28th instant, after nearly four months, anx- 
ious watching with his majesty's brig Cherub, for the Unit- 
ed States frigate Essex and her companion to quit the port of 
Valparaiso, we saw the former under way, and immediately 
the two ships made sail to close with her. 

On rounding the outer point of the bay, and hauling her 
wind, for the purpose of endeavouring to weather U9 
and escape, she lost her main top-mast, and afterwards, 
not succeeding in an effort to regain the limits of the port, 
she bore up and anchored so near the shore (a few mijesto 
leeward of it) as to preclude the possibility of either of his 
majesty's ships passing ahead of her without risk. As we 
drew near, my intention of going close under his stern was 
frustrated, from the ship's broaching off, and from the wind 
blowing extremely fresh. Our first fire commenced a little 
past 4, and continued about 10 minutes, but produced no 
visible effect ; our second, a few random shot only, from 
having increased our distance by wearing, was not apparent- 
ly more successful ; andhaving lost the use of our main-sail, 
jib, and main-stay, appearances were a little inauspicious, 
in standing again towards her. I hailed the Cherub, and 
signified my intention of anchoring, to Capt. Tucker, for 
which we were not ready before with springs, directing 
him to keep. under sail, and take - i convenient station for 
annoying our' opponent. 



NAVAL MONUMENT. 125 

On closing the Essex, at 35 minutes past 5, the firing com- 
menced, and before I gained my intended position, her ca- 
bles were cut, and a serious conflict ensued, the guns of his 
majesty's ship becoming gradually more destructive ; and 
when it pleased the Almighty to bless the effort of my gal- 
lant companions, and my personal, very humble ones, with 
victory. My friend, Capt. Tucker, an officer worthy of 
their lord-ship's best attention, was most severely wounded 
at the commencement of the action, but remained on deck 
till it terminated ; he also informs me that his officers and 
crew, of whose loyalty, zeal, and discipline I entertain the 
highest opinion, conducted themselves to his satisfaction. 
I have to lament the death of four of my brave compan- 
ions, and one of his, and my first lieutenant among the 
number : he fell early. Our list of wounded is small. The 
conduct of my officers, &c. was such as became good and 
loyal subjects. 

The defence of the Essex, taking into consideration our 
great superiority of force, the very discouraging circum- 
stances of having lost her main top-mast, and being twice 
on fire, did honour to her defender, and must fully prove 
the courage of Capt. Porter. 

I was much hurt on hearing that her men had been en- 
couraged, when the result of the action was evidently de- 
cided, some to take to their boats, and others to swim to 
the shore, many of whom were drowned in the latter at- 
tempt : sixteen were saved by the exertions of our people, 
and others, I believe between thirty and forty, effected 
their landing. I informed Capt. Porter, that I considered 
the latter, in point of honour, as my prisoners. He said 
the encouragement was given when the ship was in danger 
from fire, and I have not pressed the point. 

The Essex is completely stored and provisioned for six 
months, and although much injured in her upper works, 
masts, and rigging, is not in such a state as to give the sligh- 



126 NAVAL MONUMENT. 

test cause of alarm respecting her being able to perforin a 
voyage to Europe with perfect safety. 
I have the honour to be &c. 

JAMES HILL YAR, Captain. 

SEQUEL OF CAPTAIN PORTER'S EXPEDITION IN THE 

SOUTH SEA. 

On the 19th of November 1813, Capt. Porter took formal 
possession of the island, called by the natives Nooaheevah,- 
generally known by the name of Sir Henry Martin's island, 
but now called Madison Island. It is situated between lat. 
•J o and 10 o S. and in long. 140 o W. from Greenwich. 

The following is a letter from Capt. Gamble to Capt. Porter. 
Capt. Gamble, the reader will recollect, was left by 
Capt. Porter with a few men, in charge of two or three 
vessels and some public property, when lie sailed from 
Madison Island for Valparaiso, previous to his ever memo- 
rable battle in the Essex. The following letter comprises all 
the subsequent occurrences : 

Sir, New York, August 30, 1815. 

With regret I have to inform you, the frigate had not got 
clear of the Marqueses, before we discovered in the natives 
a hostile disposition towards us, who in a few days became 
so insolent, that I found it absolutely necessary, not only 
for the security of the ships, and property on shore, but 
for our personal safety, to land my men, and regain by 
force of arms the many things they had, in the most dar- 
ing manner, stolen from the encampment ; and what was of 
still greater importance, to prevent, if possible, their put- 
ting threats into execution, which might have been attended 
with the most serious consequences on our part from duty 
requiring my men to be so much separated. 

I however had the satisfaction to accomplish my wish 
without firing a musket, and from that time lived in the 
mo*t perfect amity with them, until the 7th May following, 
-ivhen my distressed situation placed me in their power. 






NAVAL MONUMENT. 127 

Before mentioning the lamentable events of that day, and 
the two succeeding ones, I shall give you a brief account of 
a few preceding occurrences, which were sources of great 
uneasiness to me. The first was the death of John Wetter, 
marine, who was unfortunately drowned in the surf, on the 
afternoon of the 28th February, and the desertion of four 
of my men. They took the advantage of a dark night, 
and left the bay unobserved by any person, all excepting 
one, a prisoner, having the watch on deck. — They took 
with them several muskets, a supply of ammunition, and 
many articles of but little value. My attempt to pursue 
them was prevented by their destroying partially the. only 
boat (near the beach) at that time sea-worthy. 

On the 12th April, began to rig the ships Seringapatam and 
Sir Andrew Hammond, which, as I calculated, employed the 
men until the 1st of May. All hands were then engaged in 
getting the remainder of the property from the Greenwich 
to the Seringapatam, as I began to despair of your rejoining 
me at that place. 

The work went on well, and the men were obedient to 
my orders, though I discovered an evident change in their 
countenances, which led me to suppose there was some- 
thing wrong in agitation, and under that impression, had 
all the muskets, ammunition, and small arms of every de- 
scription, taken to the Greenwich, the ship I lived on board, 
from the other ships, as a necessary precaution against a 
surprise from my own men. 

On the 7th May, while on board the Seringapatam, on du- 
ty, which required my being present, a mutiny took place, 
in which I was wounded, and the mutineers succeeded in 
getting the Seringapatam out of the bay- • Two days after, 
when making the necessary preparations to depart for Val- 
paraiso, we were attacked by the savages, and I have, with 
the deepest regret, to inform you, sir, that Midshipman, 
William Felters, John Thomas, Thomas Gibbs, and William 
Brudinell, were massacred, and Peter Coddington, marine 
dangerously wounded. After bending the jib and spanker 



128 NAVAL MONUMENT. 

we cut our moorings, and fortunately had a light breeze, 
that carried the ship clear of the bay, with six cartridges 
remaining out of the only barrel left us by the mutineers. 

After getting out of the bay, we found our situation most 
distressing. In attempting to run the boat up, it broke in 
two parts, and we were compelled to cut away from the 
bows the only anchor, not being able to cat it. We mus- 
tered altogether eight souls, out of which there was one 
cripple, one dangerously wounded, one sick, one just recov- 
ering from the scurvy, and myself confined to the bed with 
a high fever, produced by my wound. 

In that state, destitute of charts, and almost of every 
means of navigating the ship, I reached the Sandwich Islands, 
after a passage of seventeen days, and suffering much from 
fatigue and hardships. I was there unfortunately captured 
by the English ship Cherub, remained a prisoner on board 
of her seven months, during which time my men were trea- 
ted in a most shameful manner. We were then put on shore 
at Rio de Janeiro, without the possibility of getting away 
until after hearing of the peace. I then, by the advice of 
the physician who attended me, embarked on board a Swe- 
dish ship bound to Havre de Grace, (there being no oth- 
er means of my getting away at that time,) leaving behind 
Midshipman Clapp and five men, having lost one soon after 
my arrival in that place with the small pox. 

On the 1st inst. lat. 47 o N. long. 18 o W. we fell in with 
the American ship Oliver Ellsworth, from Havre, bound to 
this port. I took a passage on board of her, and arrived 
here two days since, after being upwards of an hundred 
days at sea. I am at present unable to travel, and shall 
therefore await either your orders, or the orders of the 
commandant of the marine corps at this place. 

I have the honour to remain, with the highest 

respect and esteem, sir, your obed't serv't, 
\ JOHN M. GAMBLE. 



NAVAL MONUMENT. 123 

PEACOCK AND EPERVIER. 

EXTRACT OF A LETTER FROMCAPT. CHARLES MORRIS, 
COMMANDING THE U. S. SHIP ADAMS AT SAVANNAH 
TO THE SECRETARY OF THE NAVY. 

Sir, Savannah, May 2, 1814. 

1 have the honour to inform you, that a line brig of 18 
guns, prize to the United States sloop Peacock, anchored 
here this morning. She is much shattered in her hull, and 
damaged in her rigging, having fought 45 minutes — her 
loss 8 killed and 15 wounded. The Peacock, 2 slightly 
wounded. She was chased on the 30th April, by a frigate, 
but escaped by running close in the shore in the night. 
Lieut. Nicholson, prize master, will forward you a more 
detailed account of this handsome affair. I am &c. 

Hon. W. Jones &c. C. MORRIS. 

LETTER FROM LIEUT. NICHOLSON TO THE SECRETARY 

OF THE NAVY. 

Sir, Savannah, May 1, 1814. 

I have the honour to inform you of my arrival here in 
late his Britannic majesty's brig Epervier, of eighteen 32 
pound carronades, Capt. Wales, captured by the sloop Pea- 
cock, on Friday morning, the 29th, off Cape Carnaveral, 
after an action of 45 minutes, in which time she was much 
cut up in hull, spars, rigging, and sails, with upwards of five 
feet of water in her hold, having the weathergage. 

She has lost 8 killed and 15 wounded ; among the latter 
her first lieutenant, who has lost his arm. lam happy to 
say, the Peacock received no material injury — her fore-yard 
and two men slightly wounded — she received not one shot 
in her hull. The brig had upwards of one hundred thou- 
sand dollars on board. 

I have the honour to be &c. 

JOHN B. NICHOLSON. 
Hon- William Jones, 
Scc'y of the navy. 
19 



130 NAVAL MONUMENT. 

COPIES OF LETTERS FROM CAPTAIN WARRINGTON TO 
THE SECRETARY OF THE NAVY. 

U. S. Sloop Peacock, at sea, lat. 27 o 47/, long. 80 o 9/, 

29 April, 1814. 

I have the honour to inform you that we have this morn- 
ing captured, after an action of 45 minutes, his majesty's 
brig Epervier, rating and mounting 18 thirty-two pound car- 
ronades, with 128 men, of whom 8 were killed and 15 
wounded (according to the best information we could ob- 
tain :) among the latter is her 1st lieutenant, who has lost an 
arm, and received a severe splinter wound on the hip. Not 
a man in the Peacock was killed, and only two wounded ; 
neither dangerously so. The fate of the Epervier would 
have been determined in much less time, but for the circum- 
stance of our foreyard being totally disabled by two round 
shot in the starboard quarter from her first broadside, which 
entirely deprived us of the use of our fore and fore-top 
sail, and compelled us to keep the ship large throughout the 
remainder of the action. This, with a few top-mast and 
top-gallant back-stays cut away, and a few shot through 
our sails, is the only injury the Peacock has sustained. Not 
a round shot touched her hull ; our masts and spars are as 
sound as ever. When the enemy struck, he had five feet 
water in his hold, his main top-mast was over the side, 
his main-boom shot away, his fore-mast cut nearly in two 
and tottering, his fore rigging and slays shotavray, his bow- 
sprit badly wounded, and 45 shot holes in his hull, 20 of 
which were within a foot of his water line. By great exer- 
tion we got her in sailing order just as dark came on. 

In fifteen minutes after the enemy struck, the Peacock was 
ready for another action, in every respect but her fore-yard, 
which was sent down, fished, and had the fore-sail set again 
in 45 minutes — such were the spirit and activity of our gal- 
lant crew. The Epervier had under convoy an English 
hermaphrodite brig, a Russian and a Spanish ship, all which 
hauled their wind and stood to the E. N. E. I had deter- 
mined upon pursuing the former, but found that it would 



NAVAL MONUMENT. 131 

not answer to leave our prize, in her then crippled state and 
the more particularly so, as we found she had in $120,000 
in specie, which we soon transferred to this sloop. Every 
officer, seaman, and marine did his duty, which is the high- 
est compliment I can pay them. 

I am respectfully, 

L. WARRINGTON. 

P. S. From Lieut. Nicholson's report, who was counting 
up the Epervier's crew, there were 1 1 killed and 15 wounded. 

L. W- 

Sir, Savannah, May 4, 1814. 

1 have great satisfaction in being able to report to you the 
arrival of the Peaeock at this anchorage today, and also, the 
arrival of the Epervier on Monday last. I have now to de- 
tail to you the reason of our separation. We made sail as 
mentioned in my last, on the evening of the 29th of April. 
The next afternoon we were, at | past 6, abreast the centre 
of Amelia Island, with the vessels in sight over the land, 
•when two large ships, which had been seen some time pre- 
vious a little to the northward of the island, were clearlv 
ascertained to be frigates in chase of us. In this situation, 
at the suggestion of Lieut. Nicholson, I took out all but 
himself and sixteen officers and men, and stood to the south- 
ward along shore, on a wind, leaving him to make the 
best of his way for St. Mary's ; which place I felt confident 
he would reach, as the weather frigate was in chase of the 
Peacock, and the other was too far to the leeward to fetch 
him : at 9 we lost sight of the chaser, but continued stand- 
ing all night to the southward, in hopes to get entirely clear 
of him. At day light we shortened sail and stood to the 
nortlvward, and again made the frigate ahead, who gave 
chase the second time, which he continued until 2 P. M 
when finding he could not come up, he desisted. In the 
evening we resumed our course, and sxw nothing until day 
light on Tuesday morning, when a large ship, supposed to 



132 NAVAL MONUMENT. 

be the same, was again seen in chase of us, and again run 
out of sight. 

This morning, at \ past 3, we made Tybee light, and at 
half past 8 anchored near the United States ship Adams. — 
As the enemy is hovering near to St. Mary's, I concluded 
he had received information of, and was waiting to inter- 
cept us. Accordingly we steered for this place, where we 
received intelligence of the Epervier^a arrival, after fright- 
ening off a launch which was sent from the enemy's ship to 
leeward on Saturday evening to cut him off from the land. 
From the 18th of April to the 24th we saw but one neu- 
tral, and two privateers, both which were chased without 
overhauling although we ran one among the shoals of Cape 
Carnaveral, and followed him into four fathoms water. — 
We have been to the southward as far as the Great Isaacs, 
and have cruised from them to Maranilla reef, and along the 
Florida shore to Cape Carnaveral. Not a single running 
vessel has been through the Gulf in all this time. The fleet 
sails from Jamaica under convoy of a 74, two frigates, and 
two sloops, from the 1st to the 10th of May. They are so 
much afraid of our cruisers, that several ships in the Ha- 
vanna ready for sea, which intended to run it (as it is called) 
were forced to wait the arrival of the convoy from Jamai- 
ca. 

The Epervier and her convoy were the first English ves- 
sels we had seen. 

We shall proceed in the execution of your further in- 
structions, as soon as we can get a fore yard, provisions, and 
water. 

The Epervier is one of their finest brigs, and is well cal- 
culated for our service. She sails extremely fast, and will 
require but little to send her to sea, as her armament and 
stores are complete. 

I enclose you a list of the brig's crew, as accurately as we 
can get it. 

I am respectfully, 

L. WARRINGTON- 



NAVAL MONUMENT. 133 

Sift, U. S. Sloop Peacock, Savannah, 5 May, 1814. 

As my letter of yesterday was too late for the mail, I ad- 
dress you again in the performance of a duty which is plea- 
sing and gratifying to me in a high degree, and is but doing 
justice to the merits of the deserving officers under my 
command, of whom I have hitherto refrained from speak- 
ing, as I considered it most correct to make it the subject of 
a particular communication. 

To the unwearied and indefatigable attention of Lieut. 
Nicholson (1st) in organizing and training the crew, the 
success of this action is in a great measure to be attributed. 

I have confided greatly in him, and have never found my 
confidence misplaced. For judgment, coolness, and deci- 
sion in times of difficulty, few can surpass him. This is 
the second action in which he has been engaged this war, 
and in both he has been successful. His greatest pride is. to 
earn a commander's commission by fighting for, instead of 
fairing it. 

From Lieut. Henley (2d,) and Lieut. Voorhees, (acting 
3d, who has also been twice successfully engaged,) I receiv- 
ed every assistance that zeal, ardour, and experience could 
afford. The fire from their two divisions was terrible, and 
directed with the greatest precision and coolness. 

In Sailing Master Percival, whose great wish and pride 
it is to obtain a lieutenant's commission, and whose unremit- 
ting and constant attention to duty, added to his profession- 
al knowledge, entitles him to it in my opinion, I found an 
able, as well as willing assistant. He handled the ship, as if 
he had been working her into a roadstead. Mr. David 
Cole, acting Carpenter, I have also found such an able and 
valuable man in his occupation, that I must request in the 
most earnest manner, that he may receive a warrant ; for I 
feel confident, that to his uncommon exertion, we in a 
great measure owe the getting our prize into port. From 

II A. M. until 6 P. M. he was over her side, stopping shot 
holes, on a grating, and, when the ordinary resources failed 
of success, his skill soon supplied him with efficient ones. 



134 NAVAL MONUMENT. 

Mr Philip Myers, master's mate, has also conducted him- 
self in such a manner as to warrant my recommendation of 
him as a master. He is a seaman, navigator, and officer • 
his family in New York is respected, and he would prove 
an acquisition to the service. My clerk, Mr. John S. Town- 
send is anxious to obtain through my means a midshipman's 
warrant, and has taken pains to qualify himself for it by 
volunteering, and constantly performing a midshipman's 
duty — indeed, I have but little use for a clerk, and he is as 
great a proficient as any of the young midshipmen, the 
whole of whom behaved in a manner that was pleasing to 
me, and must be gratifying to you, as it gives an earnest of 
what they will make in time — 3 only have been to sea be- 
fore, and 1 only in a man of war, yet they were as much at 
home, and as much disposed to exert themselves as any of- 
ficer in the ship. Lieut. Nicholson speaks in high terms'of 
the conduct of Messrs. Greeves and Rodgers, midshipmen, 
who were in the prize with him. 
I have the honour to be, 

Sir, very respectfully, your obe't serv't, 

L. WARRINGTON. 
Hon. William Jones, &c. 

4 

UNOFFICIAL PARTICULARS. 

The Epcrvier, being to windward, gallantly met the Pea- 
cock ; but the battle would have ended very soon, had not 
Capt. Warrington hailed, to ascertain whether she had 
struck, (her colours being shot away,) by the time spent in 
which he lost a commanding position ; for the action ap- 
peared to have ceased for the moment, and the brave War- 
rington would not shed blood wantonly. The force of the 
vessels in guns and weight of metal is the same, each rating 
18, and carrying 22 ; but in men we had some superiority, 
the British having only 128, and we about 160 ; but the 
disparity of the execution done excites anew our wonder. 
The hull of the Peacock was not struck by a round shot 
whereas on the larboard wide of the Epervier between 50 and 



NAVAL MONUMENT. 135 

GO took effect, many of them within a foot of the water 
line, and she was otherwise dreadfully mauled, and had one 
of her guns dismounted, with 5 feet water in her hold. 
She is one of the finest vessels of her class in the British 
navy, built in 1812. It is said, that " when she left London, 
bets were three to one, that she would take an American 
sloop of war or small frigate." 

The Peacock's length is 118 ft.— breadth of beam 32 ft.— 
depth of hold 14ft. — tonnage 509 — she mounts 20 guns — 
had 160 men — killed none, wounded 2, shots in her hull, 
none. The Epervier's length — 107 ft. — breadth of beam 32 ft. 
depth of hold 14 ft. — tonnage 477. She mounted 18 guns, 
same calibre with those of the Peacock — had 128 men — kill- 
ed 1 1, wounded 15, shots in her hull 45 ! 

The Epervier was sold at Savannah and purchased by 
government for fifty five thousand dollars. 



WASP AND REINDEER. 

LETTER FROM JOHNSTON BLAKELEY TO THE SECRE- 
TARY OF THE NAVY. 

Sir, U. S. Sloop Wasp, V Orient, 8 July, 1314. 

On Tuesday, the 28th ult. being then in lat. 48 o 36* N. 
and long. 11 o 15/ W. we fell in with, engaged, and after 
an action of 19 minutes, captured, his Britannic Majesty's 
sloop of war the Reindeer, William Manners Esq. com- 
mander. Annexed are the minutes of our proceedings pri- 
or to, and during the continuance of the action. 

Where all did their duty, and each appeared anxious to 
excel, it is very difficult to discriminate. It is, however, 
only rendering them their merited due, when it is declared 
of Lieutenants Reilly and Bury, 1st and 3d of this vessel, 
and whose names will be among those of the conquerors of 
the Guerriere and Java ; and of Mr. Tillinghast, 2d lieuten- 
ant, who was greatly instrumental in the capture of the 
Boxer, that their conduct and courage on this occasion ful- 



136 NAVAL MONUMENT. 

filled the highest expectation and gratified every wish. 
Sailing Master Carr is also entitled to great credit for the 
zeal and ability with which he discharged his various du- 
ties. 

The cool and patient conduct of every officer and man, 
while exposed to the fire of the shifting guns of the ene- 
my, and Avithout an opportunity of returning it, could on- 
ly be equalled by the animation and ardour exhibited, when 
actually engaged, or by the promptitude and firmness with 
which every attempt of the enemy to board was met and 
successfully repelled. Such conduct many be seen, but 
cannot well be described. 

The Reindeer mounted sixteen 241b. carronades, two long 
G or 9 pounders, and a shifting 12 pound carronade, with a 
complement on board of 1 18 m«n. Her crew were said to 
be the pride of Plymouth. 

Our loss in men has been severe, owing in part to the 
proximity of the two vessels and the extreme smoothness of 
sea, but chiefly in repelling boarders. That of the enemv, 
however, was infinitely more so, as will be seen by the list 
of killed and wounded on both sides. 

Six round shot struck our hull, and many grape which 
did not penetrate far. The fore-mast received a 241b. shot, 
which passed through its centre, and our rigging and sails 
were a good deal injured. 

Th« Reindeer was literally cut to pieces in aline with her 
ports ; her upper works, boats, and spare spars were one 
complete wreck. A breeze springing up next afternoon, 
her fore-mast went by the board. 

Having received all the prisoners on board, which from 
the number of wounded occupied much time, together with 
their baggage, the Reindeer was on the evening of the 29th 
set on fire, and in a few hours blew up. 

I have the honour to be, 

very respectfully, your most obe't serv"t. 

J. BLAKE LEY, 

Hon. William Jonks, &c. 



NAVAL MONUMENT. 137 

Minutes of the action between the U. S. Sloop IVasp, and II. B. 

M. Sloop Reindeer on the 2&th of June 1,814, in lat. 48 o 

36/ JV. and long. 11 o 15/ W. 

At 4 A. M. light breezes and cloudy ; at \ after 4, dis- 
covered two sails, two points before the lee-beam, kept 
away in chase ; shortly after discovered one sail on the 
weather beam ; altered the course and hauled by in chase 
of the sail to windward ; at 8, sailed to windward, bore E. 
N. E. wind very light ; at 10, the stranger sail, bearing E. 
by N. hoisted an English ensign and pendant, and display- 
ed a signal at the main (blue and yellow diagonally.) 
Meridian, light airs and cloudy ; at \ past 12, the enemy 
showed a blue and white flag diagonally at the fore, and 
fired a gun ; 15 minutes after 1, called all hands to quar- 
ters and prepared for action ; 22 minutes after 1, believing 
we could weather the enemy, tacked ship and stood for 
him; 50 minutes after 1, the enemy tacked ship and stood 
from us ; 56 minutes after 1, hoisted our colours and fired 
a gun to windward, which was answered by the enemy with 
another to windward ; 20 minutes after 2, the enemy still 
standing from us, set the royals ; 25 minutes after 2, set the 
flying gib ; 29 minutes after 2, set the upper stay -sails ; 32 
minutes after 2, the enemy having tacked for us, took in 
the stay-sails ; 37 minutes after 2, furled the royals : 51 
minutes after 2, seeing that the enemy would be able to 
weather us, tacked ship ; 3 minutes after 3, the enemy 
hoisted his flying gib ; brailed up our mizen ; 15 minutes 
after 3, the enemy on our weather quarter, distant about 
sixty yards, fired his shifting gun, a 121b. carronade, at us, 
loaded with round and grape shot, from his top-gallant 
fore-castle ; 17 minutes after 3, fired the same gun a second 
time ; 19 minutes after 3, fired it a third time ; 21 minutes 
after 3, fired it a fourth time, 24 minutes after 3, a fifth shot, 
all from the same gun. Finding the enemy did not get 
sufficiently on the beam to enable us to bring our guns to 
bear, put the helm a-lee, and at 26 minutes after 3, com- 
menced the action Aviththe after carronade on the starboard 

20 



m NAVAL MONUMENT 

side, and fired in succession ; 34 minutes after 3, hauled up 
the main-sail ; 40 minutes after 3, the enemy having his 
bow in contact with our larboard quarter, endeavoured to 
board us, but was repulsed in every attempt ; at 44 minutes 
after 3, orders were given to board in turn, which were 
promptly executed, when all resistance immediately ceased ; 
and at 45 minutes after 3, the enemy hauled down his flag. 

J. BLAKELEY. 

List of killed and wounded on board the United States sloop of 
war Wasp, in the action with the Reindeer. 

Killed — Timothy Stephens, Thomas R. Peel, seamen ; 
Joseph Vorse, Thomas Knight, John Brown 2, ordinary 
seamen. 

Wounded — Henry S. Langdon, midshipman, dangerous- 
ly ; Frank Toscan, do. do.; John Swett, master's mate, 
slightly ; William Thompson, boatswain's mate, severely ; 
John Dick, quarter master, do.; Nathaniel Scammon, sea- 
man, do.; Jotham Perkins, do. dangerously, (since dead ;) 
William Preston, do. slightly ; Charles Green, do. danger- 
ously, (since dead ;) Charles Clinton, do. slightly ; Andrew 
Passenger, do. severely ; John Rowe, do. slightly ; Joseph 
Atkins, do. dangerously, (since dead ;) Robert Lowther, 
do. slightly; Morrel Roberts, do. do.; Rotin Javis, ord. 
seaman, severely ; Henry Herbert, do. dangerously ; Simon 
Cassalis, do. severely ; John Ball, boy, dangerously, (since 
dead.) 

RECAPITULATION. 

Killed - - 5 

Wounded - - 21 

List of the killed and wounded on board his B. J\L sloop 

of icar Reindeer. 

Killed — William Manners, Esq. commander ; John 
Thos. Barton, and 23 petty officers and seamen. 



I KB . 

ordinary 






John 



NAVAL MONUMENT. 139 

Wounded — Thos. Chambers, 1st lieutenant ; Richard 
Jones, master, and 40 petty officers and seamen. 



RECAPITULATION. 




Killed 


25 


Wounded — dangerously 


10 


Severely 


17 


Slightly 


15 



Whole number wounded 42 

N. B. More than half the wounded were, inconsequence 

of the severity and extent of their wounds, put on board a 

Portuguese brig, called the Lisbon Packet, on the third day 

afteraction, to wit, 1st July, bound to Plymouth, England. 

COPY OF A LETTER FROM CAPTAIN J. CLAKELEY TO 
THE SECRETARY OF THE NAVY. 

Sir, U. S. Sloop Wasp, V Orient, 8 July, I SI 4. 

I have the honour to announce to you the arrival of this 
ship today at this place. — By the pilot who carried us out 
of Portsmouth N. H. I had the satisfaction to make you ac- 
quainted with our having left that place, and again had the 
pleasure of addressing you by the French national brig 
Olive, and which was the first vessel we had spoken since 
our departure from the United States. From the time of 
our sailing I continued the rout pointed out in your in- 
structions, until our arrival at this place, during which Ave 
have been so fortunate as to make several captures ; a list of 
which will accompany this. — These with their cargoes were 
wholly destroyed, with one exception. This was the Gall- 
iott Henrietta, which was permitted to return with prison- 
ers, 38 in number, after throwing overboard the greater 
part of her cargo, leaving only sufficient to ballast her. 
When arrived on our cruising ground, I found it impossi- 
ble to maintain any thing like a station, and was led, in 
chase, farther up the English channel than was intended 
After arriving on soundings, the number of neutrals, which 



140 NAVAL MONUMENT. 

are now passing, kept ns almost constantly in pursuit. It 
gives me much pleasure to state to you the very healthy 
condition of the crew of the Wasp during the cruise : some- 
times without one on the sick list, and at no time any who 
remained there more than a few days. Great praise is due 
to Dr. Clark for his skill and attention at all times ; but 
particularly after the action with the Reindeer, his unweari- 
ed assiduity to the necessities of the wounded was highly 
conspicuous. 

The ship is at present under quarantine, but we expect to 
be released from it tomorrow, when the wounded will be 
sent to the hospital, and every exertion made to prepare the 
Wasp for sea. 

I have the honour to be, very respectfully, 

your most obedient servant, 

Hon. Wm. Jones, J. BLAKELEY. 

Secretary of the navy. 

LETTER FROM CAPTAIN BLAKELEY TO THE SECRE- 
TARY OF THE NAVY. 

Sir, U. S. Sloop Wasp, V Orient, 10 July,l8l4. 

After the capture of his B. M. sloop of war, the Reindeer, 
it was my wish to have continued the cruise, as directed by 
you. I was however necessitated to relinquish this desire 
after a few days, from a consideration of the wounded of 
our crew, whose wounds had at this season become offen- 
sive, and aggravated by the number of prisoners on board 
at the time, being seventy-seven in number. Fearing, from 
the crowded state of the Wasp, that some valuable lives 
might be lost, if retained on board, I was compelled, 
though with reluctance, to make the first neutral port. 
Those belonging to the Reindeer, who were dangerously 
wounded, were put on board a Portuguese brig bound to 
England three days after the action, and from the winds 
which prevailed, arrived probably in two or three days af- 
ter their departure. Their surgeon, the captain's clerk, 
and officers' servants, and the crew of the Orange Boven. 



NAVAL MONUMENT. Ill 

were put on board of the same vessel to attend upon them. 
Since our arrival at this place we have experienced every 
civility from the public authorities. Our quarantine was 
only for a few hours, and our wounded, fourteen in num- 
ber, were carried yesterday to the hospital, where they 
were comfortably situated. Our fore-mast, although bad- 
ly wounded, can be repaired, and will be taken on shore as 
soon as possible. All other damages sustained can be re- 
paired by ourselves. 

I have the honour to be, very respectfully, 

your most obedient servant, 

Hon. W. Jones, &c. J. BLAKELEY. 

LETTER FROM J. BLAKELEY ESQ. TO THE SECRETARY 

OF THE NAVY. 

U. S. Sloop Wasp, at sea, off Belle Isle, 
Sir, 27 August, 1814. 

It is with sincere sorrow that I have to announce to you 
the decease of Midshipmen Henry S. Langdon and Frank 
Toscan. They were wounded in the rencontre with the 
Reindeer, and all our efforts to save them, after our arrival, 
proved unavailing. It was their first essay, and although 
wounded, remained at their posts until the contest termina- 
ted. The constancy and courage with which they bore 
their sufferings leads to the melancholy, though proud re- 
flection, of what they might have been, had Providenee or- 
dained otherwise. Every respect due to worth was shewn 
to their memory. 

It is with regret that I have to inform you of the delays 
we have experienced at this place, but had they been of 
shorter duration, we could not possibly have sailed, as one 
continued westerly wind has prevailed from the hour of 
our arrival up to the present day. 

The course pointed out in your instructions having been 
interrupted, I shall endeavour to fulfil your further inten- 
tions as far as possibly be in my power. 



112 NAVAL MONUMENT. 

With great satisfaction, I add, that every aid in the pow- 
er of Mr. Crawford has been promptly afforded, and that I 
feel under many obligations to him for his attention and as- 
sistance. 

We are now off this place with a fair wind and favorable 
prospects. 

I have the honour to be, very respectfully, 
your most obedient servant, 
Hon. W. Jones, &c. J. BLAKELEY. 



WASP AND AVON. 

LETTER FROM CAPT. BLAKELEY TO THE SECRETARY 

OF THE NAVY. 

U. S. Sloop Wasp, at sea, lat. 41 o iW. long. 1 1 o W. 
Sir, lift Sept. 1814. 

After a protracted and tedious stay at L'Orient, had at 
last the pleasure of leaving that place on Saturday, 27th of 
August. On the 30th, captured the British brig Lettice, 
Henry Cockbain master ; and on the 31st of August, the 
British brig Bon Accord, Adam Durno master. In the mor- 
ning of the 1st of September, discovered a convoy of 10 
sail to leeward, in charge of the Jlrmada 74, and a bomb 
ship ; stood for them and succeeded in cutting out the Brit- 
ish brig Mary, John D. Allan master, laden with brass can- 
non, taken from the Spaniards, iron cannon and military 
stores from Gibraltar to England: removed the prisoners, 
set her on fire, and endeavoured to capture another of the 
convoy, but was chased off by the Jlrmada. On the evening 
of the same day at | past 6, while going free, discovered four 
vessels, nearly at the same time, two on the starboard, and 
two on the larboard bow, being the farthest to windward. 
At 7, the chase, a brig, commenced making signals, with 
flags, which could not be distinguished, for want of light, 
and soon after made various ones, with lanterns, rocket- 



NAVAL MONUMENT. 143 

and guns. At 29 minutes after 9, having the chase under 
our leebow, the 131b. carronade was directed to be fired in- 
to him, which he returned ; ran under his lee-bow to pre- 
vent his escaping, and commenced the action. At 10 o'clock, 
believing the enemy to be silenced, orders were given to 
cease firing, when I hailed and asked if he had surrendered. 
No answer being given to this, and his firing having recom- 
menced, it was agained returned. At 12 minutes after 10, 
the enemy having suffered greatly, and having made no 
return to our last two broadsides, I hailed him the second 
time to know if he had surrendered, when he answered in 
the affirmative. The guns were then ordered to be secured, 
and the boat lowered to take possession. In the act of low- 
ering the boat, a second brig was discovered a little dis- 
tance astern and standing for us. Sent the crew to their 
quarters, prepared every thing for another action, and 
awaited his coming up. At 36 minutes after 10, discovered 
two more sails astern, standing towards us. I now felt my- 
self compelled to forego the satisfaction of destroying the 
prize. Oar braces having been cut away, we kept off the 
wind until others could be rove, and with the expectation of 
drawing the second brig from his companions ; but in this 
last we were disappointed. The second brig continued to 
approach us until she came close to our stern, when she 
hauled by the wind, fired her broadside, which cut our 
rigging and sails considerably, and shot away a lower main 
cross tree, aud retraced her steps to join her consorts ; when 
we were necessitated to abandon the prize. He appeared in 
every respect a total wreck. He continued for some time 
firing guns of distress, until probably delivered by the two 
last vessels who made their appearance. The second brig 
could have engaged us if he thought proper, as he neared 
us fast : but contented himself with firing a broadside, and 
immediately returned to his companions. 

It is with real satisfaction I have again the pleasure of 
bearing testimony to the merits of Lieutenants Reilly, Til- 
linghast, Baury and Sailing Master Carr : and to the good 



144 NAVAL MONUMENT. 

conduct of every officer and man on board the Wasp. — 
Their divisions and departments were attended and suppli- 
ed with the utmost regularity and abundance, which, with 
the good order maintained, together with the vivacity and 
precision of their fire, reflects on them the greatest credit. 
Our loss is two killed, and one slightly wounded with a wad. 
The hull received four round shot, and the fore-mast many 
grape shot. Our rigging and sails suffered a great deal. 
Every damage has been repaired the day after, with the ex- 
ception of our sails. 

Of the vessel with whom we were engaged, nothing posi- 
tive can be said with regard to her name or force. While 
hailing him previous to his being fired into, it was blowing 
fresh (then going ten knots) and the name was not distinct- 
ly understood. Of her force, the four shot which struck us 
are all 32 pounds in weight, being a pound and three quar- 
ters heavier than any belonging to this vessel. From this 
circumstance, the number of men in her tops, her general 
appearance and great length, she is believed to be one of the 
largest brigs in the British navy. 

I have the honour to be, very respectfully, 

your most obedient servant, 
Hon. W. Jones, &c. J. BLAKELEY. 

P. S. I am told the enemy, after his surrender, asked for 
assistance, and said he was sinking — the probability of this 
is confirmed by his firing single guns for some time after his 
capture. 

List of killed and teounded on board the U. S. Sloop of war the 
Wasp Johnston Blakcley, Esq. commander, in the action with 

his Britannic Majesty 's Sloop of war , on the 1st of 

September 1814. 

Killed. Joseph Martin, boatswain ; Henry Staples, 
quarter gunner. 

Wounded. James Snellings, seaman, clavicle or collar 
bone fractured by a wad. j 



NAVAL MONUMENT. 145 

RECAPITULATION. 

Killed .... % 

Wounded . - - - 1 

Total 3 

Extract of a private letter from an officer of the United States 

Sloop Wasp. 

At sea, September 23, 1814. 

" Capt. Blakeley, I believe, sends official accounts up to 
this date, doubtless for publication. To his letters therefore 
I refer you for correct particulars regarding our cruise. 

" The Wasp has been one of the most successful cruisers 
out of the United States. — She has been the favourite of 
Fortune, and we offer thanks to divine Providence for its 
support and protection. 

" She has now been three months and five days at sea, 
with a complement of 173 men, whose ages average only 23 
years. The greatest part so green, that is, unaccustomed to 
the sea, that they were sea sick for a week. In that time 
however she has destroyed twelve British merchant vessels 
and their cargoes, the whole value of which, I presume, was 
not less than 200,000 pounds sterling. The thirteenth mer- 
chantman.we are now despatching to the United States. — 
She is the first we have attempted to send in, but being an 
uncommon fast sailer, we have great hopes of her safe arri- 
val ; and for my part, with judicious management, I have 
no doubt of it. She is a very beautiful brig of 253 tons, 
coppered to the bends and copper fastened, and has a very 
valuable cargo on board, consisting of brandy, wines, cam- 
brics, &c. She was from Liverpool bound to Bordeaux, 
thence to Pensacola. 

" The Wasp is a beautiful ship, and the finest sea boat, I 
believe in the world ; our officers and crew, young and am- 
bitious — they fight with more cheerfulness than they do any 
other duty. Capt. Blakeley is a brave and discreet officer ; 
as cool and collected in action as at table." 

21 



146 NAVAL MONUMENT. 

BRITISH ACCOUNT. 

Cork, September 7, 1814. 

On Thursday last, his Majesty's ships Castilian, Lieut, 
Lloyd, (acting) and Avon Hon. Capt. Arbuthnot, having 
sailed hence about a month ago, gave chase to an Ameri- 
can schooner privateer, (having previously recaptured a 
vessel taken by her,) but owing to the superior sailing of 
the Castilian, she left the Avon a considerable distance be- 
hind, who, after a short time, found herself in sight of a 
vessel, which she hailed and demanded who she was ; 
upon which she replied, "heave to, and I'll let you know 
who I am ; (this was about 9 at night,) and fired a gun at 
the Avon, when a most sanguinary action commenced, 
which continued until 11 o'clock ; she then sheared off, and 
said, " this is the Wasp." She appeared in a sinking state, 
and glad to get off. The Avon then fired signal guns to the 
Castilian. LTpon the Castilian coming to the Avon, she fell 
in with the Wasp, and demanded who she was ; to which 
she made no answer. The Castilian luffed under her lee 
quarter and gave her a broadside, and then hailed again — 
but no answer, nor yet a single musket fired. The Castili- 
an finding the sinking state of the Avon, made every effort 
to save the lives of her brave crew : fortunately the whole 
were saved. As the last boat with the wounded had got 
about half way to the Castilian, the Avon went down head 
foremost 

We lament to say, that between the second and third 
broadside, Lieut. Prendergast, the gallant first lieutenant of 
the Avon received a mortal wound across the belly, from a 
grape shot, while in the act of cheering the crew. The 
Avon had nine killed and thirty three wounded. As soon 
as the Castilian had discharged the duties of humanity, in 
taking on board the Avonh crew, she made all sail for the 
Wasp, who appeared so cut up, as to be in a sinking state ; 
but could not make out any trace whatever of her. 

Names of the superior officers on board the Avon : Hon. 
John James Arbuthnot, captain ; John Harvey, first lieu- 



NAVAL MONUMENT. 147 

tenant ; John Prendergast, second do. ; and James Allen, 
master. 

The Tartarus sloop of war, joined the Castilian as the 
Avon was sinking, and took on board forty of her men. 



VICTORY ON LAKE CHAMPLAIN. 

COPIES OF LETTERS FROM COMMODORE MACDONOUGH 
TO THE SECRETARY OF THE NAVY. 

U. S. Ship Saratoga, off Plattsburg, 
Sir, September 1 1 , 1814. 

The Almighty has been pleased to grant us a signal vic- 
tory on Lake Champlain, in the capture of 1 frigate, 1 
brig, and 2 sloops of war of the enemy. 
I have the honour to be, very respectfully, 

Sir, your most obedient servant, 
Hon. William Jones, T. MACDONOUGH. 

Sec'y of the navy. 

Sir, September 13, 1814. 

By Lieut. Commandant Cassin, I have the honour to 
convey to you the flags of his Britannic Majesty's late 
squadron, captured on the 11th inst. by the United States 
squadron under my command. Also my despatches rela- 
ting to that occurrence, which should have been in your 
possession at an earlier period, but for the difficulty in ar- 
ranging the different statements. 

The squadron under my command now lies at Plattsburg. 
It will bear considerable diminution, and still leave a force 
sufficient to repel any attempt of the enemy in this quarter. 
I shall wait your order what to do with the whole or ^ny 
part thereof. 

I have the honour to be, &c 

Hon. W. Jones, T. MACDONOUGH. 

Secretary of the navy. 



148 NAVAL MONUMENT. 

Sir, . September 13, 1814. 

I have the honour to give you the particulars of the ac- 
tion which took place on the 11th instant on this lake. 

For several days the enemy were on their way to Platts- 
burg, by land and water, and it being well understood that 
an attack would be made at the same time by their land and 
naval forces, I determined to await at anchor the approach 
of the latter. 

At 8 A. M. the look-out boat announced the approach of 
the enemy. At 9 he anchored in a line ahead, at about 800 
yards distance from my line ; his ship opposed to the Sara- 
toga, his brig to the Eagle, Captain Robert Henly, his gal- 
leys, 13 in number, to the schooner, sloop, and a division 
of our galleys- ; 1 of his sloops assisting their ship and brig, 
the other assisting their galleys : our remaining galleys with 
the Saratoga and Eagle. 

In this situation the whole force on both sides became en- 
gaged, the Saratoga suffering much from the heavy fire of 
the Confiance. I could perceive at the same time, however, 
that our fire was very destructive to her. The Ticondero- 
ga, Lieut. Com. Cassin, gallantly sustained her full share of 
the action. At \ past 10 o'clock, the Eagle, not being able 
to bring her guns to bear, cut her cable and anchored in a 
more eligible position, between my ship and the Ticon- 
deroga, where she was much annoyed by the enemy, but un- 
fortunately leaving me exposed to a galling fire from the en- 
emy's brig. Our guns on the starboard side being nearly 
all dismounted, or not manageable, a stern anchor was let 
go, the bow cable cut, and the ship winded with a fresh 
broadside on the enemy's ship, which soon after surrender- 
ed. Our broadside was then sprung to bear on the brig, 
which surrendered in 15 minutes after. 

The sloop that was opposed to the Eagle had struck some 
time before and drifted down the line, the sloop which was 
with their galleys having struck also. Three of their gal- 
leys are said to be sunk ; the others pulled off. Our galleys 
were about obeying with alacrity the signal to follow them. 



NAVAL MONUMENT.. 149 

■when all the vessels were reported to me to be in a sinking 
state ; it then became necessary to annul the signal to the 
galleys and order their men to the pumps. 

I could only look at the enemy's galleys going off in a 
shattered condition, for there was not amast in either squad- 
ron that could stand to make sail on ; the lower rigging 
being nearly all shot away, hung down as though it had been 
just placed over the mast heads. 

The Saratoga had 55 round shot in her hull, the Conjiancc 
105. The enemy's shot passed principally just, over our 
heads, as there were not 20 whole hammocks in the net- 
tings at the close of the action, which lasted without inter- 
mission 2 hours and 20 minutes. 

The absence and sickness of Lieut. Raymond Perry, left 
me without the services of that excellent officer ; much 
ought fairly to be attributed to him for his great care and 
attention in disciplining the ship's crew as her 1st Lieuten- 
ant. His place was filled by a gallant young officer, Lieut. 
Peter Gambled who, I regret to inform you, was killed ear- 
ly in the action. Acting Lieut. Valette worked the 1st and 
2d divisions of guns with able effect. Sailing-Master 
Brum's attention to the springs, and in the execution of the 
order to wind the ship, and occasionally at the guns, meets 
with my entire approbation, also Capt. Youngs, command- 
ing the acting marines, who took his men to the guns. Mr. 
Beale, purser, was a great service at the guns, and in carry- 
ing my orders throughout the ship, with Midshipman 
Montgomery. Master's Mate Joshua Justin, had command 
of the 3d division : his conduct during the action was that 
of a brave and correct officer. Midshipmen Monteath, 
Graham, Williamson, Piatt, Thwing, and acting Midship- 
man Baldwin, al] behaved well, and gave evidence of their 
making valuable officers. 

The Saratoga was twice set on fire by hot shot from the 
enemy's ship. 

I close, sir, th'is communication with feelings of gratitude 
for the able support I received from every officer and man 



150 NAVAL MONUMENT. 

attached to the squadron which I have the honour to com- 
mand. 

I have the honour to be, with great respect, 
Sir, your most obedient servant, 

Hon. W. Jones, T. MACDONOUGH. 

Secretary of the navy. 

P. S. Accompanying this is a list of killed and wounded, 
a list of prisoners, and a precise statement of both forces 
engaged. Also letters from Capt. Henley and Lieut. Com. 
Cassin. T. M. 

Return of killed and wounded on board the United States squad- 
ron on Lake Champlain, in the engagement with the British 
fleet on the 11th' of September, 1814. 

, Ship Saratoga. Killed — Peter Gamble, lieutenant ; 
Thomas Butler, quarter gunner ; James Norberry, boat- 
swain's mate ; Abraham Davis, quarter master ; William 
Wyer, sail maker ; William Brickell, Peter Johnson, and 
John Coleman, seamen ; Benjamin Purrill and Andrew 
Parmlee, ordinary seamen ; Peter Post, David Bennet, and 
Ebenezer Johnson, seamen ; Randal M'Donald and John 
White, ordinary seaman ; Samuel Smith, seaman ; Thomas 
Malony, ord. seaman ; Andrew Nelson, John Sellack, Peter 
Hanson, Jacob Laraway and Edward Moore, seamen ; Je- 
rome Williams, ord. seaman ; James Carlisle, marine ; John 
Smart and Earl Hannemon, seamen ; Joseph Couch, lands- 
man ; Thomas Stevens, seaman — 28. 

Wounded — James M. Baldwin, acting midshipman ; Jo- 
seph Barton, pilot ; Robert Gray, quarter gunner ; George 
Cassin, quarter master ; John Hollingsworth, Thomas Rob- 
inson, Purnal Smith, John Ottiwell, and John Thompson, 
seamen ; Edward Rowland, William Williams, ord. seamen ; 
John Robertson, seaman ; John Towns, landsman ; John 
Shays, John S. Hammond and James Barlow, seamen ; 
James Nagle, ord. seaman ; John Lanman and Peter Col- 
berg, seamen ; William Newton, ord. seaman ; Neil J 
Heldmont, and James Steward, seamen ; John Adams, lands- 



NAVAL MONUMENT. 151 

man ; Charles Rasche, seaman ; Benjamin Jackson, Jesse 
Vanhorn, Joseph Ketter and Samuel Pearson, marines ; 
William Fabee, ord. seaman — 29. 

Brig Eagle. Killed — Peter Vandermere, master's mate ; 
John Ribero and Jacob Landman, seamen ; Perkins Moore, 
James Winship, Thomas Anwright and Nace Wilson, ord. 
seamen ; Thomas Lewis, boy ; John Wallace, Joseph Hea- 
ton, and Robert Stratton, marines ; James M. Hale and 
John Wood, musicians — 13. 

Wounded — Joseph Smith, lieutenant ; William A. Spen- 
cer, acting lieutenant ; Francis Breeze, master's mate ; 
Abraham Walters, pilot ; William C. Allen, quarter mas- 
ter ; James Duick, quarter gunner ; Andrew M'Ewen, 
Zebediah Concklin, Joseph Valentine, John Hartley, John 
Miclan, and Robert Buckler, seamen ; Aaron Fitzgerald, 
boy ; Purnell Boice, ord. seaman ; John N. Craig, seaman ; 
John M'Kenney, Matthew Scriver, George Manwaring, 
Henry Jones, and John M'Carty, marines — 20. 

Schooner Ticonderoga. Killed — John Stansbury, lieuten- 
ant ; John Fisher and John Atkinson, boatswain's mates ; 
Henry Johnson, seaman ; Deodrick Think and John Sharp, 
marines — 6. 

Wounded — Patrick Cassin, Ezekiel Goud, Samuel Saw- 
yer, William Le Count, and Henry Collins, seamen ; John 
Condon, marine — 6. 

Sloop* Preble. Killed — Rogers Carter, acting sailing 
master ; Joseph Rowe, boatswain's mate — 2. 

Wounded — none. 

Gun-boat Borer. Killed — Arthur W. Smith, purser's ste- 
ward ;Thomas Gill, boy ; James Day, marine — 3. 

Wounded — Ebenezer Cobb, corporal marines — 

Gun-boat Centipede. Wounded — James Taylor, lands- 
man — 1 . 

Gun-boat Wilmer. Wounded — Peter Frank, seaman — 1. 



152 NAVAL MONUMENT. 

RECAPITULATION. 





Killed. 


Wounded 


Saratoga 


- 28 


29 


Eagle 


- 13 


20 


Ticoncleroga 


- 6 


6 


Preble 


- 2 





Borer 


- 3 


1 


Centipede 


- 


1 


Wilmer 


- 


1 



Total 52 58 

Gun-boats Mule, Men, Viper, Burrows, Ludlow, Ahoyn, 
Ballard — none killed or wounded. 

GEORGE BEALE, jun. Purser. 

Statement of the American force engaged on the llth Sept. 1814. 
Saratoga, eight long 24 pounders, six 42 pound carronades, 
and twelve 32 pound carronades 26 

Eagle, twelve 23 pound carronades, and eight long 18s 20 
Ticonderoga, eight long 12 pounders, four long 18 pound- 
ers, and five 32 pound carronades - - 17 
Preble, seven long 9 pounders ... 7 
10 galleys, viz. — Allen, Burrows, Borer, Nettle, Viper, Cen- 
tipede, one long 24 pounder and one 18 pound colum- 
biad each - - - - - 12 
Ludloio, Wilmer, Alwyn, Ballard, 1 long 12 pr. each, 4 

Guns, 86 

Recapitulation — fourteen long 24 pounders, six 42 pound 

carronades, twenty-nine 32 pound carronades, twelve long 
18 pounders, twelve long 12 pounders, seven long 9 pound- 
ers, six 18 pound columbiads. Total 86 guns. 

T. MACDONOUGH. 

Statement of the enemy'' s force engaged on the llth of Septem- 
ber, 1814. 
Frigate Confiance, twenty-seven long 24 pounders, four 32 
pound carronades, six 24 pound carronades, and two 
long 18 pounders on the birth deck - - 39 



NAVAL MONUMENT 153 

Brig Linnet, sixteen long 12 pounders - - 1G 

Sloop Chub,* ten 18 pound carronades, one long 6 pounderl 1 
Sloop Finch,* six 18 pound carronades, one 18 pound 

columbiad, and four long 6 pounders - - 11 

13 galleys, viz. — Sir James Yeo, Sir George Prevost, Sir 
Sidney Beckwith, one long 24 pounder, and one 32 lb. 
carronade each ----- G 
Broke, one 18 pounder, and one 32 lb. carronade - 2 

Murry, one 18 pounder, and one 181b. carronade - 2 

Wellington, Teeumseh, and one other, name unknown, 
one 18 pounder each - - - - 3 

Drummond, Simcoc and 3 others, names unknown, one 
32 lb. carronade each 5 

Total, guns, 95 

Recapitulation — thirty long 24 pounders, seven 18 pound- 
ers, sixteen 12 pounders, five 6 pounders, thirteen 32 pound 
carronades, six 24 pound carronades, seventeen 18 pound 
carronades, one 18 pound columbiad. Total 95 guns. 

T. MACDONOUGH. 

COPY OF A LETTER FROM LIEUT. CASSIN TO COM. MAC- 
DONOUGH. 

U. S. Schooner Ticonderoga, Plattsburg Bay, 
Sir, September 12, 1814. 

It is with pleasure I state, that every officer and man un- 
der my command did their duty yesterday. 

Your's respectfully, 
Com. T. Macdonough. STEPHEN CASSIN, 

Lieut, commanding. 

COPY OF A LETTER FROM LIEUTENANT HENLEY TO 
COMMODORE MACDONOUGH. 

Sir, U. S. Brig Eagle, Plattsburg, Sept. 12, 1814. 

I am happy to inform you that all my officers and men 
acted bravely, and did their duty in the battle of yesterday 
with the enemy. 

* These sloops were formerly the U. S. Growler and Eagle. 

22 



154 NAVAL MONUiMENT. 

I shall have the pleasure of making a more particular 
representation of the respective merits of my gallant offi- 
cers to the honourable the secretary of the navy. 
I have the honour to be, respectfully, 

Sir, your most obedient servant, 

R. HENLEY. 

P. S. We had 39 round shot in our hull (mostly 24 
pounders) 4 in our lower masts — and we were well pepper- 
ed with grape. I enclose my boatswain's report. 

R. H. 

COPY OF A LETTER FROM GEORGE BE ALE, JUN. TO 
COMMODORE MACDONOUGH. 

Sir, U. S. Ship Saratoga, Sept. 13, 1814. 

I have the honour to enclose you a list of the killed and 
wounded on board the different vessels of the squadron 
under your command, in the action of the 11th inst. 

It is impossible to ascertain correctly the loss of the ene- 
my. From the best information received from the British 
officers, from my own observations, and from various lists 
found on board the Confiance, I calculate the number of 
men on board that ship at the commencement of the action 
at 270, of whom at least 180 were killed and wounded, and 
on board the other captured vessels at least 80' more, mak- 
ing in the whole, killed and wounded, 2G0: This is doubt- 
less short of the real number, as many were thrown over- 
board from the Confiance during the engagement. 

The muster books must have been thrown overboard, or 
otherwise disposed of, as they are not to be found. 
I am, sir, very respectfully, 

your obedient servant, 

GEORGE BEALE, jun. Purser. 
Com. T. Macdonough. 



NAVAL MONUMENT. 155 

List of British officers captured on the Mlh September, on 
Lake Champlain, and sent to Greenbush. 

Captain Daniel Pring, on parole ; Lieutenants Hicks, 
Creswick, Robinson, M'Glie, DreAv, Hornby, Child, and 
Fitzpatrick ; Sailing Master Bryden ; Masters' Mates Clark 
and Simmonds ; Surgeon Todd ; Purser Gile ; Captain's 
Clerk Guy ; Midshipmen Aire, Boudell, Toorke, Kewstra ; 
Davidson, boatswain ; Elvin, gunner ; Mickell, gunner ; 
Cox, carpenter ; Parker, purser ; Martin, surgeon ; M'Cabe, 
assistant surgeon. 

COPY OF A LETTER FROM COMMODORE MACDONOUGH 
TO BRIG. GEN. MACOMB. 

U. S. Ship Saratoga, off Plattsburg, 
Dear sir, September 13, 1814. 

Enclosed is a copy of a letter from Capt. White Youngs, 
and a list of killed and wounded attached to his command. 
I beg leave to recommend 'Capt. Youngs to your particu- 
lar notice ; during the action his conduct was such as to 
meet with my warmest approbation. I feel much indebted 
to him for his personal valor and example of coolness and 
intrepidity to his own men, as well as to the sailors. He 
volunteered in a sinking boat to carry my order to the gal- 
lies, for close action, in the hottest part of it ; and supplied 
the guns with his men as fast as the sailors were disabled. 
I am with much respect and esteem, 

your obedient servant, 
Brig. Gen. Macomb, T. MACDONOUGH. 

of U. S. army. 

LETTER FROM GEN. MACOMB TO THE SECY OF WAR. 

Capt. Youngs of the 15th, is an officer of distinguished 
merit, and has conducted himself with the greatest propri 
ety on board the fleet. By his example and attention we 
have been able to keep the fleet manned from the line 



156 NAVAL MONUMENT. 

which has been the means of contributing to the result of 
the naval engagement ; I therefore recommend him to the 
particular notice of the war department. 

September \8, 1814. ALEX. MACOMB. 

COPY OF A LETTER FROM CAPT. YOUNGS TO COM. MA C- 

DONOUGH. 

United States Ship Saratoga, Lake Champlain, 
Sir, September 13, 1814. 

I have the honour of enclosing to you a list of killed and 
wounded troops of the line (acting marines on board the 
squadron, Lake Champlain) in the action of the 11th in- 
stant. 

In attempting to do justice to the brave officers and men 
I have had the honour to command, my feeble abilities fall 
far short of my wishes — First Lieut. Morrison, 33d infan- 
try, stationed on board theU. S. brig Eagle, was wounded, 
but remained on deck during the action, animating his men 
by his honourable conduct. Second Lieut. James Young, 
6th infantry, on board the U. S. schooner Ticonderoga, 
merits my warmest thanks : 1 would particularly recom- 
mend him to your notice. Second Lieut. William B. How- 
ell, 15th infantry in the U. S. ship Saratoga, rendered me 
every assistance ; notwithstanding his having been confin- 
ed, for ten days of a fever, yet, at the commencement of 
the action, he was found on deck, and continued until the 
enemy had struck, when he was borne to his bed. I would 
also recommend him to your notice. 

The conduct of the non-commissioned officers and pri- 
vates was so highly honourable to their country and them- 
selves, it would be superfluous to particularize them. 
I have the honour to be, 

Sir, your obedient servant, 
Com. T. Macdonough, &c. WHITE YOUNGS, 

Capt. loth Inf. cojnHng detach 
of acting marines. 



NAVAL MONUMENT. 157 

COPY OF A LETTER FROM LIEUT. HENLEY TO THE 
SECRETARY OF THE NAVY. 

Sir, U. S. Ship Eagle, off Platlshurg, Sept. 10, 1814. 

Permit me to make you acquainted with that part of the 
action of yesterday, which was particularly borne by the 
vessel which I have the honour to command, as it may not 
appear in the official report of Capt. Macdonough, whose 
duty it is to make a true and impartial statement of facts. 

Being at anchor in the harbour of Plattsburg, in a line 
north and south, at the distance of about 100 yards, the 
Eagle north, the Saratoga in the centre, and the Ticonderoga 
south, the enemy approached, in a line abreast, with a fav- 
ourable wind, which enabled him to choose his position ; 
his brig taking her station on the starboard bow of the 
Eagle, at the distance of about a mile, his ship about one 
point abaft her [the Eagle's] beam, and the sloop Linnet, of 
1 1 guns, making an effort to obtain a raking position under 
our stern. Perceiving the object of the sloop, I ordered 
her a broadside, which compelled her immediately to strike 
her colours. 

At the moment when the enemy's ship had approached 
within point-blank distance, the Eagle commenced upon her 
a most destructive fire of her whole broadside, excepting 
the two long 18s forward, which were occasionally dischar- 
ged at the enemy's brig, who frequently relieved her posi- 
tion and kept up a raking and most destructive fire upon this 
vessel. 

I was confident that it was of the highest importance, in 
order to insure success, to endeavour first to carry the ene- 
my's ship. For a great length of time after the commence- 
ment of the action, the ship levelled her whole force upon 
the Eagle, dealing forth destruction. 

After having sustained the severest of the action for more 
than one hour — having my springs shot away — many of my 
starboard guns disabled, and not being in a situation to bring 
one of them to bear upon either the enemy's ship or brig, I 
ordered the cable cut and cast the brig, taking an advanta- 



158 NAVAL MONUMENT. 

geous/position a little south of the Saratoga, bringing my lar 
board broadside to bear upon the ship, which was very sooni 
compelled to haul down her colours. Our fire was now di- 1 
rected at the brig, which struck in the space of eight minutes,! 
and our contest terminated in victory. We now turned ourn 
attention toward the gallies, some of which, it is believed, . 
sunk, and the residue made their escape. The Eagle was 
in too shattered a condition to pursue them. 

I have the honour to enclose the surgeon's report of the 
killed and wounded on board the Eagle, by which you will 
perceive there were 13 killed and 27 wounded, most of them 
severely : also a copy of the report of the meritorious 
conduct of my officers and men, which I made to Capt. 
Macdonough, for your information, and which he has since 
informed me he had lost. 
I have the honour to be, 

Sir, with high respect, your obe't serv't, 

ROBERT HENLEY. 

Another letter from Capt. Henley to the Secretary of war, 
of the above date, encloses his report of killed and wound- 
ed, and recommends Lieut. Joseph Smith, Acting Lieut. 
Spencer, Acting Sailing-master Record, Acting Lieut. Loo- 
mis, Midshipmen Chamberlain, Machesny and Tardy, Sur- 
geon Stoddard, Volunteer Loomis, Mr. Smith the gunner, 
Mr. Johnson the carpenter and Mr. Willson the boatswain, 
as having discharged their duties as became Americans. 

PARTICULARS. 

Commodore Macdonough is the son of Dr. Macdonough, 
late of New-Castle county, state of Delaware. He was a 
midshipman under Com. Decatur, at Tripoli, and one of 
the gallant band that destroyed the Philadelphia. At the 
time of the battle on Lake Champlain, he was about 28 years 
of age. He is a religious man, as well as a hero, and pray_ 
ed with his brave men on the morning of the victory. 
All the officers on board the commodore's ship were either 



NAVAL MONUMENT. 159 

killed or wounded. He was asked how he escaped amid 
such carnage, and replied, pointing to heaven, " There 
was a power above which determined the fate of man.". 

He had repeatedly to work his own guns, when his men 
at them were shot and three times he was driven across the 
deck by splinters. 

At one time during the battle, Macdonough had all his 
guns on one side but two dismounted, when he wore his ship. 
The enemy endeavouring to do the same, failed, and gave 
us an opportunity to rake him. Our superiour gunnery is 
again proved, as the enemy had two to one of ours killed or 
wounded ; and they had locks to their guns, which we had 
not. 

The gallies did but little, and the enemy's gallies, which 
were distant spectators, pulled off when they saw their fleet 
was beaten. 

The battle was exceedingly obstinate ; the enemy fought 
gallantly ; but the superiority of our gunnery was irresisti- 
ble. We fired much oftener than they did. All the vessels 
were much wrecked. 

The killed on both sides have a very unusual proportion 
to the wounded — on ours 52 to 58 ! This is perhaps unpre- 
cedented, and may serve to shew the warmth and close- 
ness of the action. 

In the hottest of the action, a cock in the commodore's 
ship flew into the shrowds, and crowed three times ! The 
crew seized the happy omen, and shouted victory ! This lit- 
tle incident must have had a powerful effect on the seamen. 

A sailor, who had been hard at work from the commence- 
ment until the conclusion of the fight, seeing the British flag- 
lowered, with a smile on his countenance, addressed a com- 
panion, " Well, Jack, this is all the fun I have had this war," 
at the same time very leisurely wiping the sweat from his 
face. " I am more lucky," said the other, " for this is the 
second Frolic* I have had !" 

The schooners Growler and Tigress*, captured from us 
the year preceding, were desperately defended. When the 
* He was with Capt. Jor " at the taking of the Frolic. 



160 NAVAL MONUMENT. 

former was towed into Plattsburg, she had only five men 
on board on their legs. 

The British loss was immense. On board the Conjiance 
alone 190 were killed. Com. Downie fell in the early part 
of the action. Capt. Preng, who had been censured by Sir 
George Prevost, fought his brig 15 minutes after the other 
vessels had struck. 

The British certainly supposed that the battle would have 
terminated in their favour. It appears evident, that they 
expected to defeat our squadron, to proceed to the upper 
end of the lake, and to establish themselves on shore. For 
this purpose they had provided heavy cannon for mounting, 
and put them on board their vessels to be landed and station- 
ed after the engagement. Com. Macdonough found, on ex- 
amining the prizes, concealed under the platform of the ves- 
sels, where they served for ballast, 25 pieces, 6, 9, 12, and 
long 13 pounders, and a large quantity of grape andcannis- 
ter shot — so happily diverted from their original purpose 
by the glorious victory of the 11th of September. 



LOSS OF THE PRESIDENT. 

COPY OF A LETTER FROM COMMODORE DECATUR TO 
THE SECRETARY OF THE NAVY. 

Sir, H. B. M. Skip Eni\xjmion, at sea, Jan. 18,1814. 

The painful duty of detailing to you the particular causes 
which preceded and led to the capture of the late United 
States frigate Pwsidcnt, by a squadron of his Britannic Majes- 
ty's ships (as per margin) has devolved upon me. In my 
communication of the 14th, I made known to you my in- 
tention of proceeding to sea on that evening. Owing to 
some mistake of the pilot, the ship in going out grounded 
on the bar, where she continued to strike heavily for an 
hour and a half : although she had broken several of her 
rudder braces, and had received such other material injury 
as to render her return into port desirable, I was unable to, 



NAVAL MONUMENT l(il 

do so from the strong westerly wind which was then blow- 
ing. It being now high water, it became necessary to force 
her over the bar before the tide fell ; in this we succeeded 
by 10 o'clock, when we shaped our course along the shore 
of Long-Island for 50 miles, and then steered S. E. by E. 
At 5 o'clock, three ships were discovered ahead : we imme- 
diately hauled up the ship, and passed two miles to the north- 
ward of them. At day light we discovered four ships in 
chase, one on each quarter, and two astern, the leading ship 
of the enemy a razee. She commenced a fire upon us, but 
without effect. At meridian the wind became lisht and baf- 
fling ; we had increased our distance from the razee, but the 
next ship astern, which was also a large ship, had gained and 
continued to gain upon us considerable ; we immediately 
occupied all hands to lighten ship, by starting water, cut- 
ting away the anchors, throwing overboard provisions, ca- 
bles, spare spars, boats, and every article that could be got 
at, keeping the sails wet from the royals down. At 3, we 
had the wind quite light ; the enemy, who had now been 
joined by a brig, had a strong breeze, and were coming up 
with us rapidly. The Endymion (mounting 50 guns, 24 
pounders on the main deck) had now approached us within 
gun-shot, and had commenced a fire with her bow guns, 
which we returned from our stern. At 5 o'clock, she had 
obtained a position on our starboard quarter, within half 
point-blank shot, on which neither our stern nor quarter 
guns would bear ; we were now steering E. by N. the wind 
N. W. I remained with her in this position for half an 
hour, in the hope that she would close with us on our broad- 
side, in which case I had prepared my crew to board ; but 
from his continuing to yaw his ship to maintain his position, 
it became evident that to close was not his intention. Eve- 
ry fire now cut some of our sails or rigging. To have con- 
tinued our course under these circumstances, would have 
been placing it in his power to cripple us, without being 
subject to injury himself; and to have hauled up more 
to the northward to bring our stern guns to bear, would 

23 



a 



(62 NAVAL MONUMENT. 

have exposed us to his raking fire. It was now dusk, when 
I determined to alter my course south, for the purpose of 
bringing the enemy abeam, and although their ships astern 
were drawing up fast, I felt satisfied I should be enabled to 
throw him out of the combat before they could come up, 
and was not without hopes, if the night proved dark, (of 
which there was every appearance) that I might still be enable 
to effect my escape. Our opponent kept off at the same in- 
stant we did, and our fire commenced at the same time. We 
continued engaged, steering south, with steering sails set, 
two hours and a half, when we completely succeeded in dis- 
mantling her. Previously to her dropping entirely out of 
the action, there were intervals of minutes, when the ships 
were broadside and broadside, in which she did not fire a 
gun. At this period, (half past 8 o'clock) although dark, 
the other ships of the squadron were in sight, and almost 
within gunshot. We were of course compelled to abandon 
her. In resuming our former course for the purpose of 
avoiding the squadron, we were compelled to present our 
stern to our antagonist — but such was his state, though we 
were thus exposed and within range of his guns for half an 
hour, that he did not avail himself of this favorable oppor- 
tunity of raking us. We continued this course until 1 1 
o'clock when two fresh ships of the enemy (the Pomone and 
Tenedos) had come up. The Pomone had opened her fire on 
the larboard bow, within musket shot ; the other about two 
cables' length astern, taking a raking position on our quar- 
ter ; and the rest (with the exception of the Endymion) 
within gun-shot. Thus situated, with about one fifth of 
my crew killed and wounded, my ship crippled, and a more 
than four-fold force opposed to me, without a chance of es- 
cape left, I deemed it my duty to suvrender. 

It is with emotions of pride I bear testimony to the gal- 
lantry and steadiness of every officer and man I had the 
honour to command on this occasion ; and I feel satisfied 
that the fact of their having beaten a force equal to them- 
selves, in the presence and almost under the guns of so 



NAVAL MONUMENT. 163 

vastly a superior force, when, too, it was almost self-evi- 
dent, that whatever their exertions might be, they must ul- 
timately be captured, will be taken as evidence of what 
they would have performed, had the force opposed to them 
been in any degree equal. 

It is with extreme pain I have to inform you that Lieu- 
tenants Babbit, Hamilton, and Howell fell in the action. — 
They have left no officers of superior merit behind them. 

If, Sir, the issue of this affair had been fortunate, I should 
have felt it my duty to have recommended to your atten- 
tion Lieutenants Shubrick and Gallagher. They main- 
tained throughout the day the reputation they had acquired 
in former actions. 

Lieut. Twiggs, of the marines, displayed great zeal, his 
men were well supplied and their fire incomparable, so 
long as the enemy continued within musket range. 

Midshipman Randolph, who had charge of the forecastle 
division, managed it to my entire satisfaction. 

From Mr. Robinson, who was serving as a volunteer, 1 
received essential aid, particularly after I was deprived of 
the services of the master, and the severe loss I had sustain- 
ed in my officers on the quarter deck. 

Of our loss in killed and wounded, I am unable at pres- 
ent to give you a correct statement ; the attention of the 
surgeon being so entirely occupied with the wounded, that 
he was unable to make out a correct return when I left the 
President ; nor shall I be able to make it until our arrival 
in port, we having parted company with the squadron yes- 
terday. The enclosed list, with the exception, I fear, of its 
beincr short of the number, will be found correct. 

For 24 hours after the action, it was nearly calm ; and 
the squadron were occupied in repairing the crippled ships. 
Such of the crew of the President as were not badly woun- 
ded, were put on board the different ships: myself and a 
part of my crew were put on board this ship. On the 17th 
we had a gale from the eastward, when this ship lost hoi 
bowsprit, fore and main-masts andmizen top-mast, atl of 



164 NAVAL MONUMENT. 

which were badly wounded, and was, in consequence ol 
her disabled condition, obliged to throw overboard all her 
upper deck guns. Her loss in killed and wounded must 
have been very great. I have not been able to ascertain 
the extent. Ten were buried after I came on board (36 
hours after the action) ; the badly wounded, such as are 
obliged to keep their cots, occupy the star board side of the 
gun deck from the cabin bulk-head to the main-mast. — 
From the crippled state of the President's spars, I feel satis- 
fied she could not have saved her masts, and I feel serious 
apprehensions for the safety of our wounded left on board. 

It is due to Capt. Hope to state, that every attention has 
been paid by him to myself and officers who have been 
placed on board his ship, that delicacy and humanity could 
dictate. 

I have the honour to be, with much respect, 

Sir, your obedient servant, 
STEPHEN DECATUR. 

Hon. B. W. Crowninshield, 
Secretary of the navy. 

British squadron referred to in the letter. 

Majestic (razee,) Endymion, Pomone, Tenedos, Despatch 
(brig). 

List of killed and wounded on board the United States Frigate 

President. 

Killed — Lieutenants F. H. Babbit, A. Hamilton, E. F. 
Howell ; Henry Hill, Samuel Gaines, Samuel De Coster, 
H. Lamphiere, Michael Barton, John Weary, John Briggs, 
Charles Conway, Win. Smith 3d, Wm. Keeler, James Chap- 
man, Geo. W. Swift, Francis Deo, Edward James, Amos 
Peasly, Wm. Barrett, Charles Pratt, Thomas Kelly, An- 
drew Sestrom, Wm. Moore, Aaron Lynn. 

Wounded — Sailing-Master Rogere, Mr. Robinson, Mid- 
shipmen Dale and Brewster, Master's Male Parker, Joseph 



NAVAL MONUMENT. 165 

Fitch, John Godfry, Jas. Nickerson, Wm. Nesbet John 
Butler, Wm. Rogers, Alex. Gordon, John Liescot, David 
Jacob, James Hill, John Regan, John Melville, Samuel Tur- 
ner, Thos. Core, D. Lampriere, M. Madder, Ralph Ash- 
wood, Thos. Davis, John Moran, James C. Nicholson, 
Samuel Davis, Hans. Harvey. Alex. Murray, Stephen Ham- 
mond, Wm, Hill, Wm. Edgell, James Matthews, Stewart 
Griffin, John Keating, John Perry, Joseph Potter, John 
Peterson, John Haynes, Nathl. Dutton, John Meigs, Nathl. 
Bliffins, Wm. Keys, Adam Hyer, Frs. Joseph, George Cole- 
man, Rhomantry Rhodes, Wm. Smyth, Jacob Darling, 
John Gore, James Anderson, Wm. Davidson, Jos. Tuck, 
John Ryan, Wm. Williams, Thomas Coleman. 

FURTHER PARTICULARS. 

When the President first saw the British ships at day 
light, directly astern of her, and knowing them of course to 
be enemies, crowded all sail to escape — but. owing to the 
misfortune which she sustained the night before of beating 
on the bar, off New-York, being deeply laden with water 
and provisions for a long cruise- and not having her proper 
trim, the enemy's leading ship the Endymion, succeeded in 
getting close along side of her, and brought her to action 
about sun-set. Both ships were under a press of sail. The 
Endymion was disabled and silenced, and the President, when 
she finally struck to the Pomone and Tenedos, was carrying 
royal studding sails, still endeavouring to effect her escape. 

Remaining two hours on the bar was the primary cause of 
the loss of this noble ship — for had she passed over with- 
out difficulty, she would have been out of sight of the 
rBritish ships before day-light. 

The President, after her capture, lost all her masts by the 
oard in a violent gale of wind, and arrived at Bermuda 
under jury masts, on .the 28th of January, just a fortnight 
from the date of her sailing from New York. The Endy- 
mion arrived two days before, with the loss of her fore and 
main-masts, (considerably above deck by wounds) and 
bowsprit. 



166 NAVAL MONUMENT. 

The Endymion's loss, according to the report of the Brit- 
ish officers, was 11 killed and 14 wounded. 

Our brave commodore received a severe contusion on 
the breast, which knocked him down, but he soon recov- 
ered. 

The lamented Lieut. Babbit, 1st of the President, was 
from Brookfield, Mass. He was mortally wounded early 
in the action by a round shot in the thigh, which shattered 
it so dreadfully, that he expired in about an hour. He was 
in his 25th year, and was justly esteemed one of the best 
officers in the service. 

Lieut. Hamilton, 4th, served on the gun-deck, and was 
instantaneously killed towards the close of the action, by a 
24lb. shot, which struck him in the abdomen, and cut him 
in pieces. He was the son of Paul Hamilton Esq. of South 
Carolina, late secretary of the navy, and was a youth of 
such gentlemanly deportment, and amiable manners, as to 
win and retain the esteem of all who knew him. He was a 
great favourite in the navy, and will be long affectionately 
remembered by many, both in and out of the service. Mr. 
Hamilton was a midshipman on board the United States, 
when that ship took the Macedonian, and was the officer, 
who had the honour of bearing her colours to the city of 
Washington. 

Lieut. Howell, 5th, lost his life by a splinter, which 
struck him on the head and fractured his skull. He was 
from New Jersey, and was, like Hamilton, a most excellent 
and exemplary youth. 

In that trying engagement, the crew of the President be- 
haved most nobly. The marines in particular, under { 
Lieut. Twigs, acquitted themselves with the highest hon- 
our. 

However we may lament the loss of the brave men, who* 
fell in this contest, the services of those wounded or car- 
ried into captivity, or of the vessel herself, we rejoice that 
our naval glory remains untarnished, and that this capture 
of Decatur, like Porter's, will add to his own fame, and 
the renown of his country. 



NAVAL MONUMENT. 167 

In the Bermuda paper of the 3d of April, is inserted a 
correspondence between the governor of those islands, and 
Mr. Ward, the editor of the Royal Gazette, which closes on 
the part of the governor by withdrawing from that paper 
its title of Royal Gazette, and from Mr. Ward the office of 
his Majesty's printer. The governor appears to have been 
determined in this course by the pertinacious adherence of 
Mr. Ward to a false statement, published in his paper, of 
the circumstances attending the capture of the United States 
frigate President, which statement was at first corrected by 
him, but afterwards reasserted and adhered to. 

The editor, in giving the reports of the capture, stated, 
among other things, that the Prsident struck to the Endy- 
mion ; and that after the President struck, Com. Decatur 
concealed 68 men in the hold of the President, for the pur- 
pose of rising on the prize crew, and recapturing her. On 
the appearance of this account, Capt. Hope, of the Endy- 
mion, immediately sent an officer to Com. Decatur, dis- 
claiming any participation in the article ; and the governor 
of the island demanded of the editor of the Gazette, that 
he should immediately contradict the statement ; which was 
complied with. 

The editor then repeats, that the retraction spoken of 
was inserted merely as an act of generosity, and a palliative 
for the irritated feelings of prisoners of war. He had pre- 
viously declared that he had, " subsequently to the publi- 
cation of the retracting article, ascertained, that the origin- 
al statement was correct ; and we do not (he says) hesitate 
unequivocally to declare, upon the best authority, that 68 
men were concealed on board the President, and from other 
information we have obtained, we are convinced the act 
was authorized by Com. Decatur." 

Immediately on the appearance of the above remarks, 
the governor of Bermuda directed a letter, of which the 
following are extracts, to be sent to the editor. 



168 NAVAL MONUMENT. 

EXTRACTS FROM AN OFFICIAL LETTER FROM C. COOP- 
ER ESQ. PRIVATE SECRETARY TO THE GOVERNOR 
AND COMMANDER IN CHIEF. 

Sir, Government- Hovse, Bermuda, Jlpril 15, 1815. 

In your paper of Thursday last, which calls for his excel- 
lency's animadversion, you have ventured to assert, that 
your puhlication in contradiction to your original para- 
graph above alluded to, was issued in consequence of your 
having been " requested to smooth it over ;" and you go on 
to insinuate that the statement contradicted was " founded 
in truth." It is impossible for his excellency to permit 
such a direct and positive misrepresentation to stand uncon- 
tradicted, and more especially as his excellency himself 
communicated to you Capt. Hope's pointed declaration, 
that there was not the slightest foundation whatsoever for 
the assertion which you had published, and that he himself 
and every officer in his majesty's service, felt the utmost in- 
dignation and regret at the wanton insult offered thereby to 
an enemy, who then being a prisoner under the protection 
of the British flag, was entitled to peculiar marks of delica- 
cy and attention, of which Capt. Hope, with the nicety of 
honourable feeling, natural to an officer of the British na- 
vy, had felt so truly sensible, as to have sent a brother offi- 
cer the moment the indecorous paragraph referred to meet 
his eye, to express to Com. Decatur his indignation and re- 
gret at its having appeared. 

His excellency at the same time stated to you his own 
opinion, and that of the officers of his majesty's service, 
that the reprehensible paragraph should be instantly and 
unequivocally contradicted, and not merely " smoothed 
over," as you have now thought proper to declare ; though 
at the time you seemed fully impressed with the propriety 
of contradicting a statement, which you had erroneously 
put forth, and of thereby making the only retribution 
which it was then in your power to offer to those, whose 
characters had been so unjustly defamed. His excellency 



NAVAL MONUMENT. 169 

felt anxious that the disavowal to be published should be 
couched in terms the least disagreeable to your own feel- 
ings, or hurtful to the paper, of which you are the editor. 

His excellency has since seen with pail? and regret, that 
you have subsequently, on more than one occasion, endeav- 
oured to retract the correction then made by you of your 
prior misstatement, and to impress the readers of the Gaz- 
ette with a belief, that your original statement was estab- 
lished in fact, though you had the highest authority, (that 
of Capt. Hope himself,) for knowing it to be completely 
unfounded. These attempts his excellency has hitherto 
passed over — but your publication of Thursday imposes it 
upon him as a duty to himself, to Capt. Hope, and to the 
British nation, and in common justice to Com. Decatur, 
who is not present to defend himself from the aspersion 
which you have cast upon him, of " uttering with reference 
to yourself as base a falsehood as ever was imposed upon 
the world," not to admit of such a document standing un- 
contradicted in a paper, professed to be published under the 
immediate authority of his majesty's government. 

His excellency is thoroughly aware of the great impor- 
tance of preserving to the utmost extent perfect freedom of 
discussion, and the fullest liberty of the press, in every part 
of the British dominions, and undoubtedly therefore noth- 
ing could be further from his intentions than the most dis- 
tant desire to " compel a British editor to retract a state- 
ment founded in truth" — but when a statement is founded 
in falsehood, his excellency conceives it to be incumbent up- 
on him, equally in duty to the British public and in support 
of the true character of the British press, to demand that 
that falsehood, whether directed against friend or foe, should 
be instantly contradicted, or that the paper which thinks 
fit to disgrace its columns by persevering in error, should 
no longer be distinguished by the royal protection — and I 
am therefore commanded to signify to you his excellency's 
desire, that your ensuing publication may contain a due and 

respectful contradiction of those parts of your comments 

24 



110 NAVAL MONUMENT. 

upon Com. Decatur's letter, which have now. called for his 
excellency's censure, or his excellency will feel it his 
bounden duty to remove you from the office of his majes- 
ty's printer, which now gives a degree of weight to obser- 
vations contained in your paper, to which otherwise they 
might not be entitled. 

I have the honour to be, Sir, 

your obedient servant, 

C. COOPER, Private Sec'y. $ 
Edmund Ward, Esq. 
Editor of the Royal Gazette, Bermuda. 

EXTRACT OF A LETTER FROM COM. DECATUR TO THE 
SECRETARY OF THE NAVY. 

New York,J\Iarch6, 1815. 

In my official letter of January 18, I omitted to state, that 
a considerable number of my killed and wounded was from 
the fire of the Pomone, and that the Endymion had on board, 
in addition to her own crew, 1 lieutenant, 1 marter's mate, 
and 50 seamen, belonging to the Saturn, and when the ac- 
tion ceased, was left motionless and unmanageable until she 
bent new sails, rove new rigging, and fished her spars ; nor 
did she join the squadron until six hours after the action, 
and three hours after the surrender of the President. My 
sword was delivered to Capt. Hays, of the Majestic, the 
senior officer of the squadron, on his quarter deck, which 
he with great politeness immediately returned. I have the 
honour to enclose to you my parole, by which you will per- 
ceive the British admit the President was captured by the 
squadron. I should have deemed it unnecessary to have 
drawn your attention to this document, had not the fact 
been stated differently in the Bermuda Gazette, on our ar- 
rival there ; which statement, however, the editor was com- 
pelled to retract, through the interference of the governor 
and some of the British officers of the squadron. 

The great assiduity of Dr. Trevettand Surgeon's Mates 
Dix and Wickes to the wounded, merits the highest appro- 



NAVAL MONUMENT. 171 

bation. The only officer badly wounded is Midshipman 
Richard Dale, who lost a leg, a circumstance to be particu- 
larly regretted, as he is a young man possessed of every 
quality to make a distinguished officer. 

I have the honour to be, &c, 

STEPHEN DECATUR. 

The following extract from a Bermuda paper was repub- 
lished at New York, in the Commercial Advertiser. 

" On Wednesday evening last, Mr. Randolph, of the 
United States navy, late of the President frigate, in company 
with some other officers of the ship, attacked the editor of 
the Royal Gazette in a most violent and unprovoked man- 
ner, with a stick, while he was walking unarmed. The 
timely arrival of some British officers prevented his pro- 
ceeding to further acts of violence. A guard shortly after 
came up, when the offender had decamped ; and the next 
morning, we understand, he was hoisted into a boat at the 
crane, from the market wharf, and absconded — an honour- 
able way truly for an officer to quit a place, where he had 
been treated with civility and politeness." 

The following is a letter jrom Mr. Randolph to the editors of the 
Commercial ' Advertiser. 

New York, April 3, 1815. 
Messrs. Lewis & Hall, 

Having observed in your paper of Saturday last, an ex- 
tract from the Bermuda Gazette, containing a false and 
scandalous account of an affair in which I had an agency, I 
send you for publication the subjoined statement, which I 
declare to be correct. 

As soon as I read the scurrilous remarks in the Royal 
Gazette of the 15th ult. in relation to the capture of the 
late U. S. frigate President, I walked to the King's Square, 
with a determination to chastise the editor. I soon fell in 
with him and executed my purpose, in the most ample and 
satisfactorv manner. 



H2 NAVAL MONUMENT. 

There was no American officer in company, except Mid- 
shipman Emmet. Mr. Ward, the editor, was attended by 
Lieut. Sammon, of the royal navy ; but by neither of these 
officers was I interrupted or assisted in the operation. 

Having previously obtained my passport, and being ad- 
vised that the editor of the Royal Gazette was taking meas- 
ures to employ the civil authority against me, I left the 
island the next day, for the United States. 
I am gentlemen, &c. &c. 

R. B. RANDOLPH, Midshipman, 
Late of the United States frigate President- 

Copy of a letter from Com. Alexander Murray, president of a 
court of inquiry, held at JVeic York, to investigate the causes of 
the capture of the United States frigate Prsident, to the Secre- 
tary of the navy. 

"Sir, New York, April 17, 1815. 

" I herewith transmit to you the result of the court of 
inquiry, respecting the capture of the frigate President, with 
the opinion of the court. 

"We have been more minute in our investigation than 
might, at first view, have been deemed necessary ; but as 
there has been a diversity of opinion prevailing among the 
British commanders, concerned in her capture, it was de- 
sirable in our view, to lay before the world, in the most cor- 
rect manner, every circumstance, that led to that event ; 
which has afforded another high proof of American hero- 
ism, and so highly honourable to her commander, officers 
and crew, that every American citizen must feel a pride in 
knowing that our flag has been so nobly defended." 

The minutes of the court having peen read and approv- 
ed, the court was cleared, and after due deliberation, resol- 
ved to express the sentiments and opinions of the members, 
on the matters submitted to them, as follows : 

" In the execution of the orders of honourable the sec- 
retary of the navy, we have (with the exception of two 
very young midshipmen) examined every officer belong- 



ill 




: --- 



NAVAL MONUMENT. 17;> 

ing to the President, within the reach of the court, who sur- 
vived the late glorious contest between the frigate President 
and a squadron of his Britannic majesty. 

" We are of opinion, that the primary cause of the loss 
of the President was her running on the bar, as she was leav- 
ing this port. The violence and the continuance of the 
shocks she received for an hour and a half or more, consid- 
ering that she was laden with stores and provisions for a 
very long cruise, could not but have injured her greatly, 
and must have impeded her sailing. Her hogged and 
twisted appearance after she arrived at Bermuda, must have 
been the effects of this unfortunate accident. We are con- 
vinced, that it was owing to this that the enemy were able 
to overtake her. 

" The striking of the President on the bar cannot be im- 
puted to the fault of any officer who was attached to her. 
On the contrary, we think every possible precaution was ta- 
ken, and the utmost exertions Avere used by her commander 
and officers, to insure her safe passage over the bar, and to 
relieve her after she had struck. The accident was occa- 
sioned by some mistake in placing the boats, which were to 
serve as beacons to the President, through a channel always 
dangerous for a vessel of her draught, but particularly so 
at such a time as she was obliged to select for passing it ? 
when the land marks could not be distinguished. 

" From the time that the superiority of the enemy's force 
was ascertained, and it became the duty of the President to 
evade it, we are convinced, that the most proper measures 
were pursued, and that she made every possible effort to es- 
cape. No means, in our opinion, were so likely to be at- 
tended with success, as those which were adopted by Com. 
Decatur. Any suggestion, that different measures would 
have been more proper or more likely to accomplish the 
object, we think, are without foundation, and may be the 
result of ignorance or the dictates of a culpable ambition, 
or of envy. 



174 NAVAL MONUMENT. 

" We consider the management of the Presid ent, from 
the time the chase commenced till her surrender, as the 
highest evidence of the experience, skill, and resources of 
her commander, and of the ability and seamanship of her 
officers and crew. We fear that we cannot express, in a 
manner that will do justice to our feelings, our admiration 
of the conduct of Com. Decatur, and his officers and crew, 
while engaged with the enemy, threatened with a force so 
superiour, possessing advantages, which must hare appear" 
ed to render all opposition unavailing, otherwise than 
might affect the honour of our navy, and the character of 
our seamen. They fought with a spirit, which no pros- 
pect of success could have heightened, and if victory had 
met its common reward, the Endymion's name would have 
been added to our list of naval conquests. In this unequal 
conflict the enemy gained a ship, but the victory was ours. 
When the President was obliged to leave the Endymion to 
avoid the other ships, which were fast coming up, the En- 
dymion was subdued ; and if her friends had not been at 
hand to rescue her, she was so entirely disabled, that she 
soon must have struck her flag. A proof of this is, that 
"she made no attempt to pursue the President, or to annoy 
her by a single shot, while the President was within her 
reach, when, with the hope of escape from the overwhelm- 
ing force, which was nearly upon her, the President present- 
ed her stern to the Endymion's broadside. A farther proof 
that the Endymion was conquered is, the shattered condi- 
tion in which she appeared, while the President, in the 
contest with her, had sustained but little injury ; and the 
fact, that the Endymion did not join her squadron till many 
hours after the President had been surrounded by the other 
four enemy ships, and had surrendered to them, is strong 
corroborative evidence of the disabled state in which the 
President left the Endymion. 

" We think it due to Com. Decatur and his heroic offi- 
cers and crew, to notice the proposition he made to board 
the Endymion, when he found she was coming up, and the 



NATAL MONUMENT. 175 

manner in which this proposition was received by his gal- 
lant crew. 

" Such a design, at such a time, could only be conceived 
by a soul without fear, and approved with enthusiastic 
cheering by men regardless of danger. Had not the enemy 
perceived the attempt, and availed himself of the power he 
had in the early part of the action to shun the approach of 
the President, the American stars might now be shining on 
the Endymion. In the subsequent part of the engagement, 
the enemy's squadron was too near to permit the execution 
of this design, and the disabled state of the Endymion would 
have frustrated the principal object which Com. Decatur 
had in making so bold an attempt, which was to avail him- 
self of the Endymion's superior sailing to escape with his 
crew from his pursuers. 

" We conclude by expressing our opinion, that Com. De- 
catur, as well during the chase, as through his contest with 
the enemy, evinced great judgment and skill, perfect cool- 
ness, the most determined resolution and heroic courage — 
that his conduct, and the conduct of his officers and crew, 
are highly honourable to them, and to the American navy, 
and deserve the warmest gratitude of their country — that 
they did not give up their ship till she was surrounded and 
overpowered by a force so superiour, that further resist- 
ance would have been unjustifiable, and a useless sacrifice of 
the lives of brave men. 

"The order of the secretary of the navy requires us to 
express an opinion as to the conduct of the officers and 
crew of the President after the capture. The testimony of 
all the witnesses concurs in enabling us to give it our decid- 
ed approbation. By the Court. 

" ALEX. MURRAY, Pres. 
"Codwalader D. Colden, Judge Advocate. 

" April 20, 1815. Approved, B. W. Crowninshield." 



176 NAVAL MONUMENT. 

LETTER FROM THE SECY OF THE NAVY TO COMMO» 

DORE DECATUR. 

Sir, Navy Department, April 20, 1815. 

In the course of official duty, it is my highest satisfac- 
tion to render justice to the gallantry and good conduct of 
the brave officers and seamen of the United States navy. 

In giving an official sanction to the recent proceedings of 
the court of inquiry, instituted at your request, to investi- 
gate the cause of the loss by capture of the frigate President, 
late of the navy of the United States, while under your 
command ; and to inquire into the conduct of the com- 
mander, officers, and crew of said frigate, before and after 
the surrender to the enemy ; it would be equally unjust to 
your merit, as well as to my sentiments and feelings , to pass 
over this investigation with a formal approbation. I have 
therefore, sir, to express to you, in the fullest manner, the 
high sense of approbation, which the President of the Uni- 
ted States and this department entertain for your profes- 
sional character as an officer, who, in every instance has ad- 
ded lustre to the stars of the union ; and whose brilliant ac- 
tions have raised the national honour and fame, even in the 
moment of surrendering your ship to an enemy's squadron 
of vastly superiour force, over whose attack, singly, you 
were decidedly triumphant ; and you will be pleased to 
present to each of your gallant officers and crew, the 
thanks of your government, for their brave defence of the 
ship, and the flag of the United States. 

The proceedings and opinions of the court of inquiry, of 
which Com. Alexander Murray is president, are approved. 

B. W. CROWNINSHIELD. 

Com. Stephen Decatur. 



NAVAL MONUMENT. 177 

CONSTITTUION AND CYANE & LEVANT. 

LETTER FROM LIEUT. HOFFMAN TO THE SECRETARY 

OF THE NAVY. 

His) Britannic Majesty's late ship Cyane, 
Sir, JVew York, April 10, 1815. 

I have the honour to inform you that on the evening of 
the 28th of February last, while cruising off Madeira, the 
United States frigate Constitution fell in with this Britannic 
Majesty's ships Cyane and Levant, which she captured after 
an action of 40 minutes. 

The Cyane is a frigate built ship, mounting 34 carriage 
guns, viz. twenty-two 321b. carronades on the main deck, 
eight 181b. carronades on the quarter deck, two 181b. car- 
ronades and two long 9s on the forecastle, and from the 
best information I could obtain, carrying a complement of 
175 men, commanded by Gordon Falcon Esq.; the Levant 
mounting twenty-one carriage guns, viz. eighteen 241b. car- 
ronades, two long 6s and a shifting 12 pounder on the top- 
gallant forecastle, with a complement of 150 men, com- 
manded by the Hon. George Douglass — both ships suffered 
severely in their spars, rigging and sails. The Constitution 
received but trfling injury, having only 4 men killed and 
10 wounded. As to the loss of the enemy, I cannot possibly 
ascertain, but should presume it was very severe. 

On the 9th of March the Constitution, with her two pri- 
zes in company, anchored off the Isle of May, (one of the 
Cape de Verd Islands.) On the 10th at 5 A. M. got under 
way and made sail for St. Jago, where we anchored at '45 
minutes past 10. On the 12th, at \ past meridian, discov- 
ered three sail in the offing — at 10 minutes past 1, made 
them to be frigates — at which time the Constitution made sig- 
nal to get under way. At 20 minutes past 1, cut our cable 
and made sail to the southward and eastward, close on a 
wind. At 30 minutes past 1, the forts on shore commenced 
firing on us. At 2, the Constitution made signal to tack, 
which I did to the northward and westward. At 5 minutes 

25 



178 NAVAL MONUMENT 

past 2, the sternmost frigate commenced firing on us, and 
hoisted English colours, distance about two mijes. At 20 
minutes past 2, lost sight of the Constitution and Levant, who 
were standing on a wind to the southward and eastward; 
the frigates in chase. At 35 minutes past 2, lost sight of 
the enemy. At 3, heard a heavy cannonading, which con- 
tinued at intervals until \ has 4. At sun-down shaped my 
course for the United States. For the further particulars 
of our cruise, I beg to refer you to Capt. Stewart's official 
account, on his arrival in the United States. 

I cannot conclude my letter without particularly recom- 
mending to your notice Midshipman Joseph Cross, for 
whose unremitted attention and exertions I feel myself great- 
ly indebted ; and he is a young man who, I think, would 
do honour to a commission. 

As to Midshipmen James Delany, and James F. Curtis, 
and the few men I have under my command, words would 
be insufficient to express my gratitude towards them. 
Very respectfully, I have the honour 

to be, your obedient servant, 

B. V. HOFFMAN. 

COPY OF A LETTER FROM LIEUTENANT BALLARD TO 
THE SECRETARY OF THE NAVY. 

Sir, Baltimore, May 2, 1815. 

I have the honour to make known to you my arrival at 
this place with a part of the officers and crew of the U. S. 
frigate Constitution, captured in a prize, the Levant, in the 
harbour of Porto-Praya, in the Island of St. Jago, by a 
squadron of his Britannic Majesty's ships, consisting of the 
Leander, Sir George Collier ; the Newcastle, Lord George 
Stuart ; and the Jlcasla, Capt Kerr. For the particulars of 
my recapture, I beg leave to refer you to the enclosed ex- 
tract from the log-book of the Levant. 

Having caused the destruction of my own papers, as 
well as those of the officers with me, I can only say to you 
relative to the Constitution, that, after leaving the port of 



NAVAL MONUMENT. 179 

doston, she successively cruised oft' the Islands of Bermu- 
da and Madeira, in the Bay of Biscay, and for some time in 
sight of the Rock of Lisbon, without having met with but 
two of the enemy's vessels, one of which was destroyed, 
the other ordered in ; and that, on the evening of the 20th 
February, the Island of Madeira bearing W. S. W. distant 
70 leagues, fell in with, engaged, and after a close action of 
40 minutes, captured his Britannic Majesty's ships Cyane, 
Capt. Gordon Falcon, and Levant, Hon. Capt. Douglass. 

It would, sir, be deemed presumption in me to attempt to 
give you particular details respecting the nature of this ac- 
tion. I shall, therefore, only remark generally, that ev- 
ery officer seaman and marine on board did their duty. I 
cannot, however, deny myself the pleasure, that this oppor- 
tunity affords me, of noticing the brilliant management of 
Capt. Charles Stewart, through whose unerring judgment 
every attempt of an ingenious enemy to gain a raking posi- 
tion was frustrated. 

I have the honour to be, 

very respectfully, sir, your obe't serv't, 

HENRY E. BALLARD 

The Cyane mounted on her main deck twenty-two 321b. 
carronades- — on her upper decks, ten 181b. carronades, two 
long 9s, and one 121b. carronade on a travelling carriage, 
with a complement of 175 men. The Levant mounted 
eighteen 32fb. carronades, two long 9s, and one 121b. car- 
ronade, with 138 men on board. The Constitution had 4 
killed and 10 wounded — the Cyane 7 killed and 17 wound- 
ed — the Levant 9 killed and 1 7 wounded. 

COPY OF A LETTER FR031 CAPTAIN STEWART TO THE 
SECRETARY OF THE NAVY. 

Sir, U. S. Frigate Constitution, May — , 1815. 

On the 20th of February last, the island of Madeira 
bearing about W. S. W. distant 60 leagues, we fell in with 
his Britannic Majesty's two Ships of war, the Cyane and Le- 



180 NAVAL MONUMENT. 

vant, and brought them to action about 6 o'clock in the ev- 
ening, both of which, after a spirited engagement of 40 
minutes, surrendered to the ship under my command. 

Considering the advantages derived by the enemy, from 
a divided and more active force, as also their superiority in 
the weight and number of guns, I deem the speedy and de- 
cisive result of this action the strongest assurance which 
can be given to the government, that all under my command 
did their duty, and gallantly supported the reputation of 
American seamen. 

Enclosed you will receive the minutes of the action, and 
a list of the killed and wounded on board this ship ; also 
enclosed you will receive for your information a statement 
of the actual force of the enemy, and the number killed 
and wounded on board their ships, as near as could be as- 
certained. 

I have the honour to remain, very respectfully, 

sir, your most obedient servant, 

CHARLES STEWART. 

Statement of the actual forte of his Britannic Majesty's ships Le- 
vant, Capt. the Hon. Gordon Douglass commander — and Cy- 
ane, Capt. Gordon Falcon commander ; with the number kill- 
ed and wounded onboard each ship, on the 20th Feb. 1815, as 
near as could be ascertained, while engaged with the United 
States frigate Constitution : — 

Levant — Eighteen 32 pounders, carronades ; one 12 
pounder, do. ; two 9 pounders, long guns. Total SPguns, 
156 officers, seamen, and marines. Prisoners, 133 officers, 
seamen ancT marines. Killed, 23; wounded, 16. Total 
killed and wounded, 39. 

Cyane — Twenty two 32 pounders, carronades ; ten 18 
pounders, do.; two 12 pounders, long guns. Total 34 guns 
(besides 2 brass swivels,) 180 officers, seamen, and marines. 
Prisoners, 168 officers, seamen, and marines. Killed, 27 ; 
wounded. 26. Total killed and wounded, 38. 



NAVAL MONUMENT. 181 

JMinutes of the action between the United Stales frigate Constitu- 
tion and his Majesty'* ships Cyane and Levant, on the 20th 
February 1815. 

Commences with light breezes from the east, and cloudy 
weather. At 1 P. M. discovered a sail two points on the 
larboard bow — hauled up, and made sail in chase. At | 
past 1 , made the sail to be a ship ; at \ past 1 , discovered 
another sail ahead ; made them out, at 2, to be both ships, 
standing close hauled, with their starboard tacks on board ; 
at 4, the weathermost ship made signals, and bore up for 
her consort, then about ten miles to leeward ; we bore up af- 
ter her, and set lower top-mast, top-gallant and royal stud- 
ding sails, in chase ; at half past 4, carried away our main 
royal-mast ; took in the sails, and got another prepared. At 
5, commenced firing on the chase from our two larboard 
bow guns ; our shot falling short, ceased firing : at ^ past 
5, finding it impossible to prevent their junction, cleared 
ship for action, then about 4 miles from the two ships : at 
40 minutes past 5, they passed within hail of each other, 
and hauled by the wind on the starboard tack, hauled up 
their courses, and prepared to receive us : at 45 minutes 
past 5, they made all sail close hauled by the wind, in hopes 
of getting to windward of us : at 55 minutes past 5, find- 
ing themselves disappointed in their object, and we were 
closing with them fast, they shortened sail, and formed on 
a line of wind, about half a cable's length of each other : 
at 6, having them under command of our battery, hoisted 
our colours, which was answered by both ships hoisting 
English ensigns : at 5 minutes past 6, ranged up on the star- 
board side of the sternmost ship, about 300 yards distant, 
and commenced the action by broadsides,'both ships return- 
ing our fire with great spirit for about 15 minutes ; then 
the fire of the enemy beginning to slacken, and the great 
column of smoke collected under our lee, induced us to 
cease our fire to ascertain their positions and conditions : in 
about three minutes, the smoke clearing away, we found 



182 NAVAL MONUMENT. 

ourselves abreast of the headmost ship, the sternmost ship 
luffed up for our larboard quarter ; we poured a broadside 

into the , headmost ship, and then braced aback our main 
and mizen top-sails, and backed astern under cover of the 
smoke, abreast the sternmost ship, when the action was con- 
tinued with spirit and considerable effect, until 35 minutes 
past 6, when the enemy's fire again slackened, and we dis- 
covered the headmost bearing up ; filled our topsails, shot 
ahead, and gave her two stern rakes ; we then discovered 
the sternmost ship wearing also ; wore ship immediately 
after her, and gave her a stern rake — she luffed to on our 
starboard bows, and gave us her larboard broadside : we 
ranged up on her larboard quarter, within hail, and were 
about to give her our starboard broadside, when she struck 
her colours, fired a lee gun, and yielded. At 50 minutes 
past 6, took possession of his majesty's ship Cyane, Capt. 
Gordon Falcon, mounting 34 guns. At 8, filled away after 
her consort, which was still in sight to leeward. At \ past 
8, found her standing towards us, with her starboard tacks 
close hauled, with top-gallant sails set, and colours flying. 
At 6 minutes past 8, ranged close along side to windward of 
her, on opposite tacks, and exchanged broadsides — wore 
immediately under her stern, and raked her with' a broad- 
side : she then crowded all sail, and endeavoured to escape 
by running — hauled on board our tacks, set spanker, and 
flying jib in chase. At \ past 9, commenced firing on her 
from oar starboard bow chaser ; gave her several shot, 
which cut her spars and rigging considerably. At 10, find- 
ing she could not escape, fired a gun, struck her colours, and 
yielded. We immediately took possession of his majesty's 
ship Levant, Hon. Capt. George Douglass, mounting 21 
guns. At 1 A. M. the damages of our rigging were repair- 
ed, sails shifted, and the ship in fighting condition. 



NAVAL MONUMENT. 183 

Minutes of the chase oj the U. S. frigate Constitution, by an 
English squadron of three ships, from out the harbour of Port 
Pray a, Island of St. Jago :-r- 

Commences with fresh breezes and thick foggy weather. 
At 5 minutes past 12, discovered a large ship through the 
fog, standing in for Port Praya. At 8 minutes past 12, dis- 
covered two other large ships astern of her, also standing 
in for the port. From their general appearance supposed 
them to be one of the enemy's squadrons, and from the little 
respect hitherto paid by them to neutral waters, I deemed 
it most prudent to put to sea. The signal was made to the 
Cyane and Levant to get under way. At 12 minutes past 12, s 
with our topsails set, we cut our cable and got under way? 
(when the Portuguese opened a lire on us from several of 
their batteries on shore) the prize ships following our mo- 
tions, and stood out of the harbour of Port Praya, close 
under East Point, passing the enemy's squadron about gun- 
shot to windward of them ; crossed our top gallant yards, 
and set foresail, mainsail, spanker, flying-jib and top-gallant 
sails. The enemy seeing us under way, tacked ship and 
made all sail in chase of us. As far as we could judge of 
the rates, from the thickness of the weather, supposed them 
two ships of the line and one frigate. At \ past 12, cut 
away the boats towing astern — first cutter and gig. At 1 
P.M. found our sailing about equal with the ships on our 
lee quarter, but the frigate luffing up, gaining our wake 
and rather dropping astern of us ; finding the Cyane drop- 
ping astern and to leeward, and the frigate gaining on her 
fast, I found it impossible to save her if she continued on 
the same course, without having the Constitution brought to 
action by their whole force. I made the signal at 10 min- 
utes past 1, to her to tack ship, which was complied with. 
This manoeuvre, I conceived, would detach one of the ene- 
my's ships in pursuit of her, while at the same time, from 
her position, she would be enabled to reach the anchorage 
at Port Praya, before the detached ship could come up with 



184 NAVAL MONUMENT. 

her ; but if they did not tack after her, it would afford her 
an opportunity to double their rear, and make her escape 
before the wind. They all continued in full chase of the 
Levant and this ship ; the ship on our lee quarter firing 
broadsides, by divisions — her shot falling short of us. At 
3, by our having dropped the Levant considerably, her situ- 
ation became (from the position of the enemy's frigate) 
similar to the Cyane. It became necessary to separate also 
from the Levant, or risk this ship being brought to action 
to cover her. I made the signal at 5 minutes past 3, for her 
to tack, which was complied with. At 12 minutes past 3, 
the whole of the enemy's squadron tacked in pursuit of 
the Levant, and gave up the pursuit of this ship. This sac- 
rifice of the Levant became necessary for the preservation 
of the Constitution. Sailing Master Hixon, Midshipman 
Varnum, one boatswain's mate, and 12 men, were absent on 
duty in the 5th cutter, to bring the cartel brig under our 

stern. 

ANECDOTES. 

The Constitution is so deservedly a favourite with the 
public, that a few anecdotes of her last cruise will not be 
uninteresting. The modest, plain letter of Capt. Stewart, 
with the accompanying extracts from the log-book, have 
given the clearest official accounts of the action. The mas- 
terly manoeuvring of his ship so as to prevent either of the 
enemy's ships from raking him, and the final capture of 
them both, in such a neat and workmanlike manner, the 
prompt decision at Port Praya, when in 7 minutes after the 
British squadron were first discovered, the whole of the 
ships had cut their cables and were at sea ; the judgment in 
the time of giving orders to the prizes to tack, which secur- 
ed the Cyane first, and afterwards the the Constitution, speak 
for themselves, and are fully appreciated by the public. It 
should not be forgotten, that this same Cyane engaged a 
French 44 gun frigate last year, and kept her at bay, till a 
ship of the line came up and captured her ; and a few years . 
since in the bay of Naples, that she engaged a frigate, a 
brig of 14 guns, and 5 gun boats, and beat them off, for 




'WWKfe llikiftafcSSl 



NAVAL MONUMENT. 185 

which Capt. Benton, who commanded her, was knighted ; 
yet, with the known skill of British officers, this same ves- 
sel, and a sloop of war of the largest class, with full crews 
of picked men, were captured by an American frigate, after 
a short action. 

But it is not only to skilful officers that praise is due ; to 
be successful, they must be aided by brave and excellent sea- 
men. The crew of the Constitution were all yankee sea- 
men, as docile and obedient to the ordinary discipline of 
the service, as^they were intrepid in action. It would be 
easy to mention a number of anecdotes of the heroic char- 
acter of our common sailors. There are two in this action 
that are particularly striking. A man by the name of To- 
bias Fernall, of Portsmouth, had his arm shattered by a 
ball ; after the surgeon had amputated it, when he had tak- 
en up the arteries, and before the dressing was completed, 
the cheers on deck were heard for the surrender of the Cy- 
ane ; the brave fellow twitched the bleeding stump from 
the surgeon, and waved it, joining the cheers ! He is since 
dead. Another, John Lancey, of Cape Ann, was brought 
below, one thigh shattered to pieces, and the other severely 
wounded; the surgeon said to him, "my brave fellow, 
you are mortally wounded ;" " yes, sir, I know it, I only 
want to hear, that the other ship has struck." Soon after 
the cheers were given for the surrender of the Levant ; he 
raised his head, echoed the cheer, and expired a minute af- 
ter. The wounds were generally severe ; and much credit 
is due to the skill and humanity of Mr. Kearney, the sur- 
geon, for saving so many of the wounded. 

The Cyane was first discovered at the distance of three 
or four leagues ; the Levant, Capt. Douglass, the seniour, 
being to the leeward. The first signal from the Cyane was, 
that it was an American sloop of war ; afterwards, when 
they came within four miles of the Constitution, and the 
course was so altered, that she discovered her broadside, 
she made a signal that it was a heavy American frigate, su- 
periour to one of them, but inferiour to both. The signal 

26 



1 86 NAVAL MONUMENT. 

from the Levant to her consort was, to join company. The 
Constitution was not able to prevent their junction. The 
action was invited on the part of the Constitution, by firing 
a signal shot across the bow of the Cyane. The two ships 
cheered, and fired their broadsides : after receiving both 
she returned it, and such was the eagerness of the men to 
fire, that when the word was given, they discharged the 
whole broadside, at the same instant. In commencing the 
action, there was perfect silence onboard the Constitution — 
the cheers were returned when the ships surrendered. The 
weight of shot, fired by the British ships, was superiour 
by about 90 pounds, taking their shot at their nominal 
weight, though it was found, on weighing some of the 
English shot, that came on board, that they weighed full 
S21bs. while the American of the same rate weighed only 
291bs.; the action was so close, that their carronades had 
their full power. One of their shot came through the 
side of the ship, killed one and wounded four men, and 
lodged in the galley ; another killed two men in the waist, 
went through a boat in which two tigers were chained, and 
lodged in the head of a spar in the chains. In the action 
of the Guerriere the Constitution was hulled three times ; in 
that of the Java, four times ; and in this engagement, thir- 
teen times. The British ships were fully officered, and 
manned with picked men, and fired better than they have 
usually done in their engagements with our ships. 

During the chase by Sir George Collier's squadron, when 
the Cyane was ordered to tack, all the three ships kept af- 
ter the Constitution and Levant. After sufficient time had 
been allowed to the Cyane to make her escape, as none of 
the enemy pursued her, orders were given to the Levant to 
tack. The Leander, Sir George Collier, who was the most 
astern, then made signal to the Acasta to tack, and the 
Newcastle, Lord George Stewart, to continue the chase. 
The Jlcasta sailed faster than the Constitution, and was gain- 
ing on her ; the Neiocastlc about the same rate of sailing, 
and the latter fired several broadsides, but the shot fell short 



NAVAL MONUMENT. 187 

from one to two hundred yards. After the other ships 
tacked, the Newcastle made a signal that her fore-top-sail 
yard was sprung, and tacked also. The British officers on 
board, who had expressed the most perfect confidence that 
the Constitution would be taken in an hour, felt the greatest 
vexation and disappointment, which they expressed in very 
emphatic terms. The Levant ran into port so as to run her 
jib-boom over the battery ; the Jlcasta and Newcastle came 
in, and though her colours were hauled down, fired at her 
a number of times. They were obliged to hoist and lower 
their colours twice ; yet not a gun was fired from the Le- 
vant. Lieut. Ballard, who commanded, had ordered his 
men to lay on the decks, by which they all escaped injury, 
though considerable damage was done to the town. It 
seemed unnecessary for two heavy frigates to fire into one 
sloop of war, who neither did nor could make any resist- 
ance. After the escape of the Constitution from this squad- 
ron, till she arrived at the Brazils, the greatest watchfulness 
was necessary. With a very diminished crew, she had on 
board 240 prisoners, and the number of British officers was 
more than double her own. 

It is known, that sailors are apt to be superstitious. 
Lieut. Hoffman had a fine terrier, who was a great favour- 
ite on board the ship : when he was transferred to the Cy- 
«ne, be took the dog with him. At Port Praya, the dog, 
being much attached to Old Ironsides, jumped over to swim 
to her. A boat was lowered down from the Constitution to 
try to save him ; but the poor animal was drowned. The 
sailors then said, that they should have a fight, or a run, in 
twenty-four hours. The next morning the British squad- 
ron hove in sight. This was not likelv to lessen their belief 



in omens. 



At Maranham, all the principal people asked leave to vis- 
it the Constitution. They had heard much of her, and had 
been told by the English, that she was a ship of the line. 
They were requested to examine and count her guns, which 
they found to be 52, as she carried two less than in her 



188 NAVAL MONUMENT. 

former cruise. The American character was roost highly 
respected at Porto-Rico, where a boat was sent in. The 
governor made the most earnest entreaties, that the ship 
would come into port, that he might see her, and offered 
every kind of refreshment, and expressed the highest re- 
gard for our country. How much has our little navy done 
to elevate the character of the nation ! 

In a hurricane, when the ship made much water, a petty 
officer called on Lieut. Shubrick, who was the officer on 
the deck, and said, " Sir, the ship is sinking" — " well, sir," 
said this cool and gallant officer, "as every thing in our 
power is made tight, we must patiently submit to the fate 
of sailors, and all of us sink or swim together." 

When the officer from the British squadron, which re- 
took the Levant, went on board of her he advanced briskly 
towards the quarter deck, and observed, that he presumed 
he had the proud satisfaction of receiving the sword of 
Capt. Blakeley, commander of the American sloop of war 
the Wasp. No, sir, was the reply ; but if there is any 
pride in the case, you have the honour of receiving the 
sword of Capt. Ballard, 1st of the Constitution frigate, and 
now prize officer of his Britannic Majesty's ship the Levant. 

According to the British mode of calculation, the Consti- 
tution ought to have been captured. The Cyane and Levant 
could discharge from all their cannon at once, 1514lbs. of 
shot. The Constitution 1424. Difference, 901bs. 

The Constitution has captured, in her three victories, 154 
gun carriages ; made upwards of 900 prisoners ; killed and 
wounded 298 of the enemy ; and the value of property 
captured, including the stores, provisions, &c. cannot be 
estimated at less than 1 ,500,000. 

The first escape of the Constitution in 1812, was from a 
British squadron, consisting of the African 64, Shannon 38, 
Guerriere 38, Belvidere 38, and JEolus 32. The chase con- 
tinued 51 hours. Her last escape was from the Leander 50, 
Newcastle 50, and Jlcasta 40. 



NAVAL MONUMENT. 189 

In 1804, the Constitution made several daring attacks on 
the batteries before the town of Tripoli, mounting 115 pie- 
ces of heavy cannon. She repeatedly, and for hours, en- 
gaged their forts, within musket shot, and her bold move- 
ments and destructive fire most essentially assisted in wrest- 
ing from captivity 300 of our countrymen, as the Bashaw 
was compelled to submit to terms of peace. 



HORNET AND PENGUIN. 

COPY OF A LETTER FROM C APT. BIDDLE TO COM. DE- 
CATUR. 

United States Sloop Hornet, off Tristan d J Acuna, 
Sir, March 25, 1815. 

I have the honour to inform you, that on the morning of 
the 23d inst. at half past 10, when about to anchor off the 
north end of the Island of Tristan d' Acuna, a sail was 
seen to the southward and eastward, steering to the west- 
ward, the wind fresh from S. S. W. In a few minutes she 
had passed on to the westward so far that we could not see 
her for the land. I immediately made sail for the westward 
and shortly after getting in sight of her again perceived 
her to bear up before the wind. I hove to for him to come 
down to us. When she had approached near, I filled the 
main-top-sail, and continued to yaw the ship, while she 
continued to come down, wearing occasionally to prevent 
her passing under our stern. At 10 minutes past 1 P. M. 
being within nearly musket shot distance, she hauled her 
wind on the starboard tack, hoisted English colours and fi- 
red a gun. We immediately luffed to, hoisted our ensign, 
and gave the enemy a broadside. The action being thus 
commenced, a quick and well directed fire was kept up 
from this ship, the enemy gradually drifting nearer to us, 
when at 55 minutes past 1, he bore up apparently to run us 
on board. As soon as I perceived he would certainly fell 



1 90 NAVAL MONUMENT. 

on board, I called the boarders so as to be ready to repel 
any attempt to board us. At the instant every officer and 
man repaired to the quarter deck, when the two vessels 
were coming in contact, and eagerly pressed me to permit 
them to board the enemy ; but this I would not permit, as 
it was evident from the commencement of the action, that 
our fire was greatly superior both in quickness and in effect. 
The enemy's bowsprit came in between our main and mizen 
rigging, on our starboard side, affording him an opportuni- 
ty to board us, if such was his design ; but no attempt was 
made, There was a considerable swell on, and as the sea 
lifted us ahead, the enemy's bowsprit carried away our 
mizzen shrouds, stern davits, and spanker boom, and he 
hung upon our larboard quarter. At this moment an officer 
who was afterwards recognized to be Mr. M'Donald, the 
1st lieutenant and the then commanding officer, called out 
that they had surrendered. I directed the marines and 
musketry-men to cease firing, and while on the taffril, ask- 
ing if they had surrendered, I received a wound in the 
neck. The enemy just then got clear of us, and his fore- 
mast and bowsprit being both gone, and perceiving us 
wearing to give him a fresh broadside, he again called out, 
that he had surrendered. It was with difficulty I could re- 
strain my crew from firing into him again, as he had cer- 
tainly fired into us after having surrendered. From the 
firing of the first gun, to the last time the enemy cried out 
he had surrendered, was exactly twenty-two minutes by 
the watch. She proved to be his Britannic Majesty's brig 
Penguin, mounting sixteen 321b. carronades, two long 12s, a 
121b. carronade on the top-gallant fore-castle, with a swivel 
on the capstern in the tops. She had a spare port forward, 
so as to fight both her long guns of a side. She sailed from 
England in September last. She was shorter upon deck 
than this ship by two feet, but she had a greater length of 
keel, greater breadth of beam, thicker sides, and higher 
bulwarks than this ship, and was in all respects a remarka- 
bly fine vessel of her class. The enemy acknowledged a 



NAVAL MONUMENT. 191 

complement of 132 ; 12 of them supernumerary marines 
from the Medway 74, received on board in consequence of 
their being ordered to cruise for the American privateer 
Young Wasp. They acknowledge also a loss of 14 killed 
and 28 wounded ; but Mr. Mayo, who was in charge of the 
prize, assures me, that the number of killed was certainly 
greater. Among the killed are Capt. Dickenson, who fell 
at the close of the action, and the boatswain ; among the 
wounded are the 2d lieutenant, purser, and two midship- 
men. Each of the midshipmen lost a leg. We received on 
board, in all, 118 prisoners, 4 of whom have since died of 
their wounds. Having removed the prisoners, and taken 
on board such provisions and stores as would be useful to us 
I scuttled the Penguin, this morning, before day light, and she 
went down. As she was completely riddled by our shot, her 
foremast and bowsprit both gone, and her mainmast so 
crippled as to be incapable of being secured, it seemed in- 
advisable, at this distance from home, to attempt sending 
her to the United States. 

This ship did not receive a single round shot in her hull, 
nor any material wound in her spars ; the rigging and sail* 
were very much cut ; but having bent a new suit of sails, 
and knotted and secured our rigging, we are now complete- 
ly ready in all respects, for any service. We were 8 men 
short of a complement, and had 9 upon the sick list the 
morning of the action. 

Enclosed is a list of killed and wounded. I lament to 
state, that Lieut. Conner is wounded dangerously. I feel 
great solicitude on his account, as he is an officer, of much 
promise, and his loss would be a serious loss to the service. 

It is a most pleasing part of my duty to acquaint you, 
that the conduct of Lieutenants Conner and Newton, Mr. 
Mayo, Acting Lieut. Brownlow of the marines, Sailing 
Master Rommey, and the other officers, seamen, and ma- 
rines, 1 have the honour to command, was in the highest 
degree creditable to them, and calls for my warmest recom- 
mendation. I cannot indeed do justice to their merits. 



192 NAVAL MONUMENT. 

The satisfaction which was diffused throughout the ship, 
when it was ascertained, that the stranger was an enemy's 
sloop of war, and the alacrity with which every one re- 
paired to his quarters, fully assured me, that their conduct 
in action would be marked with coolness and intrepidity. 
I have the honour to be 

your obedient servant, 

J. BIDDLE. 
Loss on board the Hornet, 1 killed and 1 1 wounded. 

Extract of a Utter from an officer on board the sloop of war 
Peacock off Tristan cV Acuna. 

April, 10, 1815. 

The Hornet separated in chase, two days out, and we fell 
in, off here, a few days since. We were delighted to hear 
of her good fortune — so superiourto our own. She had 
captured, two days previous, his Britannic Majesty's brig 
Penguin, after an action of 20| minutes. The Penguin was 
fitted out by Admiral Tyler at the Cape of Good Hope, ex- 
pressly to capture the privateer Young Wasp, who had cap- 
tured an Indiaman in that neighborhood, and landed the 
prisoners ; and was supposed to have brought her prize 
here to strip her and to refresh. The Penguin was com- 
manded by Capt. Dickenson, a distinguished young man in 
their chronicles : and it appears from some of his papers, 
of respectable connexions, and a great favorite in the navy. 

Admiral Tyler loaned him 12 marines from the Medway, 
and was very minute in his instructions, and grave to a de- 
gree, in his injunctions, upon Dickenson, as to the manner 
of engaging the privateer : to get close enough was the great 
desideratum. What a man seeks earnestly he is almost sure 
to find, and Capt. Dickenson supposed he had the Wasp, 
when he only saw the Hornet, a vessel considerably smaller 
in all her dimensions, and decidedly inferiour in h er arma- 
ment to the privateer. The Hornet, on perceiving that the 
brig bore up for her, laid all aback ; the brig came stern on, 
Jest the Hornet, might discover her guns and be off, and 



NAVAL MONUMENT. 193 

brushing close along side of her, fired a gun, and ran upher 
St. George. An entire broadside from the Hornet, every 
shot of which told, opened the eyes of John Bull upon a 
yankee man of war : just what they had been wishing ev- 
er since thev left England. In 20 minutes the Penguin had 
her fore-mast over the side — her bowsprit in two pieces — 
her broadside nearly diven in — 20 men killed, including 
the captain, and one of Lord Nelson's boatswains, and 35 
wounded, including the second lieutenant, 2 midshipmen, 
and master's mate, &c. The Hornet, untouched in her hull, 
was severely cut up in her rigging, especially about her 
main and fore-top-gallant masts, her mizzen being a vast 
deal too low for British gunnery — one marine killed, the 
captain and 1st lieutenant Conner, (severely) and 9 others 
wounded. The officers of the Penguin ascribed their mis- 
fortune entirely to the superiority of the men belonging to 
the Hornet ; and have repeatedly said, they would be glad 
to try it again with her, if the Penguin were manned with 
such men. 

Now these gentlemen left England last September, and 
the prisoners are as stout, fine looking fellows, as I ever 
saw. One fact, which is probable, is worth all speculation 
in such an inquiry. On examining her guns after the ac- 
tion, a 321b. carronade, on the side engaged, was found with 
his tompion as nicely puttied and stopped in as it was the day 
she left Spithead ! Capt. Dickenson, towards the close of 
the fight, told his 1st lieutenant, M'Donold, that "the fel- 
lows are giving it to us like hell ; we must get on board:" 
and on being asked by Biddle why he did not, as there ne- 
ver had been a better opportunity — he said, " he did try, 
but found the men rather backward — and so, you know, 
we concluded to give it up." After M'Donald had repeat- 
edly called out that they had surrendered, and Biddle had 
ceased his fire, two fellows on board the Penguin fired upon 
him and the man at the wheel. Biddle was struck on the 
chin, and the ball passing round the neck, went off through 
the cape of his surtout, wounded him, however, severely. 

27 



194 NAVAL MONUMENT. 

but not dangerously ; the man escaped but the ruffians did 
not, for they were observed by two of Biddle's marines, 
who levelled and laid them dead upon the deck in an in- 
stant. 

ANECDOTES. 

In this action a private marine of the Hornet, named Mi- 
chael Smith (who had served under the gallant Porter in 
the Essex) received a shot through the upper part of the 
thigh, which fractured the bone, and nearly at the same 
moment had the same thigh broken immediately above the 
knee by the spanker boom of the Hornet, which was carried 
away by the enemy's bowsprit, while afoul of her. In this 
situation, while bleeding upon the deck and unable to rise, 
he was seen to make exertions to discharge his musket at 
the enemy on the top-gallant forecastle of the Penguin — this, 
however the poor fellow was unable to accomplish ; and 
was compelled to be carried below. 

The officers of the Penguin relate, that, during the ac- 
tion with the Hornet, a 321b. shot came in at the after port 
of the Penguin, on the larboard side, carried away six legs, 
killed the powder boy of the division, capsized the oppo- 
site gun on the starboard side, passed through the port, and 
" sunk in sullen silence to the bottom." 



ESCAPE OF THE HORNET. 

COPY OF A LETTER FROM CAPT. DIDDLE T O COM. DE- 
CATUR. 

Sir, U. S. Sloop Hornet, St. Salvador, June 10, 1815. 

I have the honour to report, that the Peacock and this 
ship, having continued off Tristan d' Acuna the number of 
days directed by you in your letter of instructions, proceed- 
ed in company to the eastward on the 12th of April, bound 
to the second place of rendezvous. Nothing of any impor- 
tance occurred to us until the 27th of April, when at 7 A 



NAVAL MONUMENT. 195 

M. in lat. 38 o 30/ S. and Ion. 33 o E. we made a strange 
sail in the S. E. to which we gave chase. The wind was 
from the N. E. by N. and light throughout the day, and by 
sundown we had neared the chase considerably. It was 
calm during the night, and at day-light on the 28th, he was 
yet in sight. A breeze springing from the N. W. we 
crowded sail with steering sails on both sides ; the chase 
standing to the northward upon a wind. At 45 minutes 
past 2 P. M. the Peacock was about six miles ahead of this 
ship ; and observing that she appeared to be suspicious of 
the chase, I took in starboard steering sails, and hauled up 
for the Peacock — I was still, however, of opinion, that the 
chase was an Indiaman, though indeed the atmosphere was 
quite smoky and indistinct, and I concluded, as she was 
very large, that Capt. Warrington was waiting for me to 
join him, that we might together go along side of her. At 
22 minutes past 3 P. M. the Peacock made the signal, that 
the chase was a ship of the line, and an enemy. I immedi- 
ately took in all steering sails, and hauled open a wind ; the 
enemy then upon our lee-quarter, distant about 8 miles. — 
By sun-down I had perceived, that the enemy sailed remark- 
ably fast, and was very weatherly. 

At 9 P. M. as the enemy was gaining upon us, and as 
there was every appearance that he would be enabled to 
keep sight of us during the night, I considered it necessary 
to lighten this ship. I therefore threw overboard 12 tons 
of kentledge, part of our shot, some of our heavy spars, 
cut away the sheet anchor and cable, and started the wedges 
of the masts. At 2 A. M. the enemy being rather before 
our lee-beam, I tacked to the westward ; the enemy also 
tacked, and continued in chase of us. At day light on the 
29th, he waswithin gun-shot upon our lee-quarter. At 7 A. 
M. having hoisted English colours, and a rear admiral's 
flag, he commenced firing from his bow guns. As his shot 
went over us, I cut away the remaining anchor and cable, 
threw overboard the launch, six of our guns, more of our 
shot, and every heavy article that was at hand ; the enemy 
fired about thirty shot, not one of which took effect. 



196 NAVAL MONUMENT. 

though most of them passed over us. While he was firing, 
I had the satisfaction to perceive, that we slowly dropped 
him, and at 9 A. M. he ceased his fire. 

At 11 A. M. the enemy was again coming up with us. 1 
now, therefore, threw overboard all our remaining guns but 
one long gun, nearly all our shot, all our spare spars, cut 
away the top-gallant fore-castle, and cleared every thing off 
deck, as well as from below, to lighten as much as possible. 
At noon the enemy again commenced firing. He fired ma- 
ny shot, only three of which came on board ; two strik- 
ing the hull, and one passing" through the jib. It is, how- 
ever, extraordinary, that every shot did not take effect ; for 
the enemy, the second time he commenced firing, was cer- 
tainly within three quarters of a mile of the ship, and the 
sea quite smooth. 

I perceived from his sails that the effect of his fire was to 
deaden his wind, and at 2 P. M. the wind which had previ- 
ously, and greatly to our disadvantage, backed to the 
southeast, hauled to the westward, and freshened up. At 
sun-down the enemy was about four miles astern. The wind 
was fresh, and we went at the rate of nine knots through- 
out the night. We saw the enemy at intervals through 
the squalls during the night and at day light, on the 30th, 
he was about 12 miles astern, still in chase of us. At 30 
minutes after 9 A. M. he took in steering sails, reefed his 
top-sail and hauled to the eastward, and at 1 1 he was entire- 
ly out of sight. 

During the chase the enemy appeared to be very crank, 
and I therefore concluded he must have been lightened 
while in chase of us. I did not at any time fire our stern 
chasers, because it was manifest that the enemy injured his 
sailing by his firing. 

As we had now no anchor, no cable, no boat, and but one 
gun, there was of course an absolute necessity of relinquish- 
ing our intended cruise ; and as in our then condition, it 
would have been extremely hazardous on account of the 
enemy's cruisers, to approach our own coa»t, I considered. 



NAVAL MONUMENT. 197 

it most advisable to proceed for this port. I arrived here 
yesterday, and on my arrival I received information of the 
peace between the United States and Great Britain. Per- 
mit me to state, that it was with the most painful reluct- 
ance, and upon the fullest conviction that it was indispensa- 
ble, in order to prevent a greater misfortune, that I could 
bring my mind to consent to part with my guns ; and I beg 
leave to request, that you will be pleased to move the hon- 
ourable secretary of the navy, to call a court of inquiry to 
investigate the loss of the armament of this ship. It will 
be very satisfactory to me to have such an investigation. 
I have the honour to be, 

respectfully, your obe't serv't, 
Com. Decatur. J. BIDDLE. 

Narrative! of the escape of the Hornet from a British 74, after 
a chase of 24 hours — extracted from a private journal of one 
of the officers on board the Hornet. 

U. S* Ship Hornet, off the Cape of Good Hope, 

May 9, 1815. 
Jlpril21, 1815. At 7 P. M the Peacock made a signal 
for a strange sail, bearing S. E. by S. We immediately 
made all sail in chase. Friday 28th commenced with light 
breezes and pleasant weather, all sail set in chase ; at sun 
down we had neared the stranger considerably, when it fell 
perfectly calm, and remained so during the whole of the 
night ; the stranger ahead, and could just discern his top- 
sails out of the water. At day light the sail not to be seen 
from the deck ; at 5 A. M. a breeze sprung up from the N. 
W. we immediately crowded all sail, in order if possible to 
get sight of the chase again ; soon after descried him stand- 
ing to the northward and eastward on a wind. Saturday 
29th, at | past 2 P. M. the Peacock was about 10 miles 
ahead of the Hornet ; we observed Capt. Warrington ap- 
proaching the stranger with much precaution ; we there- 
fore took in all our larboard steering-sails, set the stay-sails, 
and hauled up for the Peacock, still under the impression the 



198 NAVAL MONUMENT. 

sail in sight was an English Indiaman, and from the appar- 
ent conduct of the commander of the Peacock, we were un- 
der the impression (as the ship looked very large) that 
Capt. W. was waiting until we came up with him in order 
to make a joint attack. At half past 3, the Peacock made 
the signal, that the chase was a line-of-battle ship, and an 
enemy ; our astonishment may easily be conceived ; we 
took in all steering-sails and hauled upon the wind, bring- 
ing the enemy upon our lee-quarter, and about 3 leagues 
distant ; the Peacock on his weather bow and apparently 
not more than 3 miles from the enemy. At sun-down the 
enemy bore E. \ S. the Peacock E. by N. We soon per- 
ceived the enemy sailed remarkably fast, but the Peacock 
left him running off to the eastward. The enemv contin- 
uedby the wind and evidently in chase of us, at 6, loosed 
the wedges of the lower masts ; at 8, Ave discovered the 
enemy weathered upon us fast, and that there was every 
appearance he would, if not come up with us, continue in 
siorht all night. It was thought necessary to lighten the 
ship ; at 9 we cut away the sheet-anchor, and hove over- 
board the cable, a quantity of rigging, spars, &c. At half 
past 9, scuttled the ward-room deck to get at the kentledge, 
hove overboard 90 pieces, weighing about 50 tons. At 2 
A. M. tacked ship to the southward and westward, which 
the enemy no sooner discovered, than he tacked also. At 
day-light he was within shot distance, on our lee-quarter ; 
at 7, he hoisted English colours and a rear admiral's flag at 
his mizzen-top-gallant masthead, and commenced firing 
from his bow guns, his shot overreaching us about a mile. 
We therefore commenced again to lighten the ship, by cut- 
ting away our remaining anchors and throwing overboard 
the cable, cut up the launch and hove it overboard, a quan- 
tity of provisions with more kentledge, shot, capstern, 
spars, all rigging, sails, guns, and in fact every heavy article 
that could possibly tend to impede the ship's sailing. The 
enemy continued to fire very heavy and in quick success- 
ion ; but his British thunder could neither terrify the yan- 



NAVAL MONUMENT. 199 

kee spirit, diminish yankee skill, nor compel us to show 
him the yankee stripes, which must have irritated him ex- 
cessively. None of his shot as yet had taken effect, al- 
though he had been firing for near 4 hours incessantly, his 
shot generally passing between our masts. We thought at 
this period we discovered that we were dropping him, as 
his shot began to fall short, ; this stimulated our gallant crew 
to fresh exertion. At 11, his firing ceased, and the breeze 
began to freshen ; we discovered the enemy was again com- 
ing up with us fast, which induced a general belief he had 
made some alteration in the trim of his ship. At meridian 
squally and fresh breezes, wind from the westward. Sun- 
day (30th) fresh breezes and squally, the enemy still gaining 
on the Hornet ; at 1 P. M. being within gun-shot distance, 
he commenced a very spirited and heavy fire with round 
and grape, the former passing between our masts, and the- 
latter falling all around us. The enemy fired shells, but 
were so ill directed as to be perfectly harmless. 

From 2 to 3, threw overboard all the muskets, cutlasses, 
forge, &c. &c. and broke up the bell — also cut up the top- 
gallant fore-castle. It was now our capture appeared inev- 
itable — the enemy | of a mile on the lee-quarter, pouring 
in his shot and shells in great numbers all around us — con- 
tinued to lighten the ship, by heaving every thing over- 
board that could either be of service to the enemy, or an 
impediment to the Hornet's sailing. The men were order- 
ed to lay down on the quarter-deck, in order to trim ship, 
and to facilitate the ship's sailing. At 4, one of the shot 
from the enemy struck the jib-boom, another struck the 
starboard bulwark, just forward of the gangway, and a 
third struck on the deck forward of the main hatch, on the 
larboard side, glanced off and passed through the foresail. 
At \ past 4, we again began to leave the enemy, and to ap- 
pearance, by magick — set the larboard lower steering sail, 
the wind drawing more aft. At 5, the enemy's shot fell 
short. At 6, fresh breezes — the enemy hull down in our 
wake. At 7, could just see his lower steering sail above 



200 NAVAL MONUMENT. 

horizon — from 8 to 12, descried him at intervals, with night 
glasses. At day-light, discovered the enemy astern of us, 
distant 5 leagues. At 9 A. M. the enemy shortened sail, 
reefed his top-sail, and hauled upon a wind to the eastward, 
after a chase of 42 hours. During this tedious and anxious 
chase, the wind was variable, so as to oblige us to make a 
perfect circle round the enemy. Between 2 and 3 o'clock 
yesterday not a person on board had the most distant idea 
that there was a possibility of escape. We all packed up 
our things, and waited until the enemy's shot would compel 
us to heave to and surrender, which appeared certain. Nev- 
er has there been so evident an interposition of the good- 
ness of a Divine Father — my heart with gratitude acknowl- 
edges his supreme power and goodness. On the morning of 
the 28th, it was very calm, and nothing but murmurs were 
heard throughout the ship, as it was feared we should lose 
our anticipated prize — many plans had been formed by us 
for the disposal of our plunder. The seamen declared they 
would have the birth deck carpeted with East India silk, 
supposing her an Indiaman from India ; while the officers, 
under the impression she was from England, were making 
arrangements how we should dispose of the money, por- 
ter, cheese, &c. &c. Nothing perplexed us more than the 
idea that we should not be able to take out all the good 
things before we should be obliged to destroy her. We 
were regretting our ship did not sail faster, as the Peacock 
would certainly capture her first, and would take out many 
of the best and most valuable articles before we should get 
up — (this very circumstance of our not sailing as fast as the 
Peacock, saved us in the first instance from inevitable cap- 
ture, for when Capt. W. made the signal for the sail to be 
an enemy of superiour force, we were 4 leagues to wind- 
ward.) We all calculated our fortunes were made, but 
alas, " we caught a Tartar." During the latter part of the 
chase, when the shot and shells were whistling about our 
ears, it was an interesting sight to behold the varied coun- 
tenances of our crew. They had kept the deck during all 



NAVAL MONUMENT. 20) 

the preceding night, employed continually in lightening the 
ship, were excessively fatigued, and under momentary ex- 
pectation of falling into the hands of a barbarous and en- 
raged eneny. The shot that fell on the main deck, (as be- 
fore related) struck immediately over the head of one of 
our gallant fellows, who had been wounded in our glorious 
action with the Penguin, where he was lying in his cot, 
very ill with his wounds ; the shot was near coming 
through the deck, and it threw innumerable splinters all 
around this poor fellow, and struck down a small paper, 
American Ensign, which he had hoisted over his bed — de- 
struction apparently stared us in the face, if we did not 
soon surrender, yet no officer, no man, in the ship shewed 
any disposition to let the enemy have the poor little Hornet. 
Many of our men had been impressed and imprisoned for 
years in their horrible service, and hated them and their 
nation with the most deadly animosity ; while the rest of 
the crew, horrour-struck by the relation of the sufferings 
of their ship-masts, who had been in the power of the 
English, and now equally flushed with rage, joined hearti- 
ly in execrating the present authors of our misfortune. 
Capt. Biddle mustered the crew, and told them he was 
pleased with their conduct during the chase, and hoped 
still to perceive that propriety of conduct which had al- 
ways marked their character, and that of the American tar 
generally ; that we might soon expect to be captured, &c. 
Not a dry eye was to be seen at this mention of capture ; 
the rugged hearts of the sailors, like ice before the sun, 
warmed by the divine power of sympathy, wept in unison 
with their brave commander. About 2 o'clock, the wind, 
which had crossed us, and put to the test all our nautical 
skill to steer clear of the enemy, now veered in our favour 
(as before stated) and we left him. This was truly a glori- 
ous victory over the horrors of banishment and terrours of 
a British floating dungeon. Quick as thought, every face 
was changed from the gloom of despair to the highest 
smile of delight, and we beoan once more to breathe the 

28 



202 NAVAL MONUMENT. 

sweets of liberty — the bitter sighs of regret were now 
changed, and I put forth my expression of everlasting grat- 
itude to him, the supreme Author of our being, who had 
thus 'signally delivered us from the power of a cruel and 
vindictive enemy. 

COURT OF INQUIRY. 

A naval court of inquiry was held by order of the secre- 
tary of the navy, on board the U. S. ship Hornet, in the 
harbour of New York, on the 23d of August 1815, to in- 
vestigate the causes of the return of that ship into port and 
to inquire into the circumstances attending the loss of arm- 
ament, stores, &c. during her cruise ; and the following 
opinion has been pronounced by the court : 

The court, after mature deliberation on the testimony 
adduced, are of opinion, that no blame is imputable to 
Capt. Biddle, on account of the return of the Hornet into 
port, with the loss of her armament, stores, &c. and that 
the greatest applause is due to him for his persevering gal- 
lantry and nautical skill, evinced in escaping, under the 
most disadvantageous circumstance, after a long and ardu- 
ous chase by a British line-of-battle ship. 

SAMUEL EVANS, Prat. 
Henry Wheaton, Special Judge Advocate. 



NAVAL MONUMENT. 203 

FURTHER PARTICULARS OF THE LATE WAR. 



PRESIDENT AND BELVIDERA. 

COPY OF A LETTER FROM CAPT. HULL TO THE SECRE- 
TARY OF THE NAVY! 

United States Frigate Constitution, 
Sir, August 28, 1812. 

ThE enclosed account of the affair between the President, 
Com. Rodgers, and the British frigate Belvidera was taken 
by an officer, on board the Belvidera, and fell into my hands 
by accident. It clearly proves that she only escaped the 
commodore by superiour sailing, after having lightened her, 
and the President being very deep. 

As much has been said on this subject ; if Com. Rodgers 
has not arrived, to give you his statement of the affair, if 
it meet your approbation, I should be pleased to have this 
account published, to prevent people from making up their 
minds hastily, as I find them willing to do. 

I am confident, could the commodore have got along 
side the Belvidera, she would have been his, in less than one 
hour. 

I have the honour to be, with great respect, 

Sir, your obedient servant. 
Hon. Paul Hamilton, &c. ISAAC HULL. 

An account of the proceedings of his Majesty's ship Belvidera, 
Richard Byron Esq. captain, 23d of June, 1812. 

At 40 minutes past 4 A. M. off Nantucket Shoal, saw 
several sail bearing S. W. made sail towards them : at 30 
minutes past 6, they bore S. W. by S. made them out to be 
three frigates, one sloop, and one brig of war, standing to 
the S. E. under a press of sail. Observed them to make 
signals, and haul up in chase of us, hauling down their 
steering sails, in a confused, and irregular manner. Tacked 



204 NAVAL MONUMENT. 

ship, made the private signal, which was not answered ; 
made all sail possible, N. E. by E.; at 8, moderate and fine 
weather, the headmost ship of the chase S. S. W. \ W. ap- 
parently gaining ground on us at times, and leaving her con- 
sorts. At 30 minutes past 1 1 , hoisted our colours and pend- 
ant ; the chase hoisted American colours, two of them 
hoisted commodore's broad pendants ; at noon the commo- 
dore and the second headmost ship of the chase S. W. § W. 
about 2 and | of a mile, Nantucket Shoal N. 4 o E. 48 
miles ; -moderate and fine weather, cleared ship for action, 
commodore of chase grining, the other ships dropping ; 
observed the chase pointing her guns at us ; at 40 minutes 
past 3 P. M. the commo-dore fired 3 shot, one of which 
struck the rudder coat, and came into the after gun room ; 
the other two came into the upper, or captain's cabin, one 
of which struck the muzzle of the larboard chase gun, the 
other went through the beam under the skylight, killed 
William Gould, seaman ; wounded John Hill, armourer, 
mortally ; Joseph Lee, seaman, severely ; George Marlon, 
ship's corporal, badly ; Lieut. Bruce, and James Kelly and 
James Larmont, seamen, slightly. At 45 minutes past 3, 
commenced firing with our stern guns, shot away her lar- 
board lower steering sail, keeping our ship a steady course 
N. E. by E. at 4, the chase bore up and fired her larboard 
broadside, which cut our rigging and sails much, the long 
bolts, breeching-hooks, and breechings of guns and carron- 
ades frequently breaking (by one of which Capt. Byron 
was severely wounded in the left thigh) all of which was 
instantly replaced. Kept up a constant fire, which was re- 
turned by our opponent with bow-chase guns, and at times 
by her broadsides, which by her superiority of sailing she 
was enabled to do till 45 minutes past 6, when we cut away 
our spar sheet and small bower anchors, barge, yawl, and 
jolly boats, and started 14 tons of water ; we then gained 
on him, when he bore up and fired three broadsides, part 
of which fell short of us ; at 7, opponent ceased firing, and 
the second frigate commenced, but finding her shot fell 



NAVAL MONUMENT. 205 

short, ceased again. Employed fishing our cross-jack yard, 
and main top-mast (both badly wounded,) knotting and 
splicing our rigging, which was much cut and damaged. 
At 11, altered our course to E. by S. \ S. and lost sight of 
our opponents. 

AMERICAN SQUADRON. 

Boston Sept. 1, 1812. 
We with pleasure announce the safe arrival in this port 
on Monday last of the United States squadron commanded 
by Commodore Rodgers, which sailed from New York, on 
the 21st June, on a cruise. The squadron, composed of the 
President, of 44 guns, bearing Com. Rodgers' flag : the 
United States 44, bearing Com. Decatur's flag ; Congress 36 
Capt. Smith ; Hornet 16, Capt. Lawrence ; and brig Argus 
16, Capt. Sinclair ; came into harbour in a handsome style. 
The squadron had been seventy days at sea, during which 
time they had been nearly to the chops of the English Chan- 
nel, along the coast of France, Spain, and Portugal; to with- 
in ten leagues of the Rock of Lisbon ; to the vicinity of the 
Western Islands ; and back by the Banks and Coast of No- 
va Scotia to Boston ; during which they did not even see a 
single British national vessel, excepting the Belvidera, with 
whom the President had a running fight of some hours. — 
They have captured seven English merchantmen, two of 
which they burnt, and sent the other five for American 
ports, none of which, as we have learnt, have been fortun- 
ate enough to arrive. 

The running fight between the President and Belvidera is 
thus stated :— The latter was descried on the 23d June, 
when the squadron gave chase. The President, by superi- 
ority of sailing, got within gun-shot of the Belvidera, be- 
tween four and five o'clock P. M. when finding the breeze, 
which had enabled the President to overhaul the chase, was 
moderating, and that the chase was preparing to fire on the 
President, the latter commenced firing for the purpose of 



206 NAVAL MONUMENT. 

crippling the spars of the Belvidera, in order to come up 
with her. The fire was kept up two hours ; the President 
yawing, and firing two or three broadsides to effect her ob- 
ject, and keeping up a constant fire of the chase guns, 
which though it cut the sails and rigging, did not stop the 
way of the Belvidera, which, as the wind became light, was 
accelerated by her crowding all sail, starting her water, cut- 
ting away her anchors, and by staving and throwing over 
her boats. The chase continued until near midnight ; dur- 
ing which the Congress frigate came so near the Belvidera as 
to fire three or four shot at her. The JJornet, as reported, 
had no share in the firing. Early in the chase a very seri- 
ous accident occurred on board the President — one of the 
forward guns, in being fiied, burst, tore up the decks, kill- 
ed several seamen, and wounded 1 1 or 12 others — among 
whom was Com. Rodgers, who had stepped forward to di- 
rect the firing of the chase guns, and who was blown up, 
and in the fall had the bone of his leg fractured. He has since 
recovered. This accident also prevented the chase guns 
being: used for some time. The loss of the President we 
have not accurately ascertained. We understand 4 were 
killed by the bursting of the gun, and 3 by the shot of the 
Belvidera; and 19 were wounded, mostly slightly, and by 
the bursting gun. 

We lament to learn, that the crews of the ships are very 
sickly, mostly of scurvy — occasioned by short allowance of 
provisions and water, made necessary in consequence of 
the sudden departure of the squadron from New York, and 
the length of her cruise. Many have died. [Centinel.] 

FR03I COM. RODGERS TO THE SECR'Y OF THE NAVY. 

Sir, U. S. Frigate President, Boston, Sept. 1, 1812. 

I had the honour yesterday of informing you of the ar- 
rival of the squadron, and now to state the result and par- 
ticulars of our cruise. 

Previous to leaving New York on the 21st of June, I 
heard that a British convoy had sailed from Jamaica for 



NAVAL MONUMENT. 307 

England on or about the 20th of the preceding month, and 
on being informed of the declaration of war against Great 
Britain, I determined, in the event of Coin. Decatur join- 
ing- me with the United States, Congress, and Argus, as you 
had directed to go in pursuit of them. 

The United States, Congress, and Argus did join me on 
the 21st ; with which vessels, this ship and the Hornet ac- 
cordingly sailed in less than an hour after I received your 
orders of the 18th of June, accompanied by your official 
communication of the declaration of war. 

On leaving New York I shaped our course southeasterly 
in the expectation of falling in with vessels, by which I 
should hear of the before mentioned convoy, and the"^ fol- 
lowing night met with aj American brig that gave me the 
sought -for information ; the squadron now crowded sail in 
pursuit, but the next morning was taken out of its course 
by the pursuit of a British frigate, that I since find was the 
Belvidera, relative to which I beg leave to refer you to the 
enclosed extract from my journal. After repairing as far as 
possible the injury done by the Belvidera to our spars and 
rigging, we again crowded all sail, and resumed our course 
in pursuit of the convoy, but did not receive further intel- 
ligence of it until the 29th of June, on the western edge of 
the banks of Newfoundland, where we spoke an American 
schooner, the master of which reported that he had two 
days before passed them in latitude 43 o , longitude 55 o, 
steering to the eastward. I was surprised to find that the 
convoy was still so far to the eastward of us, but was urg- 
ed, however, as well by what I considered my duty as by 
inclination, to continue the pursuit. 

On the 1st of July, a little to the eastward of Newfound- 
land Bank, we fell in with quantities of cocoa nut-shells, 
orange-peels, &c. which indicated that the convoy were not 
far distant, and we pursued it with zeal, although frequent- 
ly taken out of our course by vessels it was necessary to 
chase, without gaining any further intelligence until the 9th 
of July, in lat. 45 o 30/, long 23 o , we captured the British 



208 NAVAL MONUMENT. 

private armed brig Dolphin, of Jersey, aud were informed 
by some of her crew that they had seen the convoy the pre- 
ceding evening ; the weather was not clear at the time, 
but that they had counted 85 sail, and that the force 
charged with its protection consisted of one two-decker, a 
frigate, a sloop of war, and a brig. 

This was the last intelligence I received of the before- 
mentioned convoy, although its'pursuit was continued until 
the 13th of July, being then within 18 or 20 hours sail of 
the British channel. 

From this we steered for the Island of Madeira, passed 
close by it on the 21st of July ; thence near the Azores, 
and saw Corvo and Flores ; thence steered for the banks of 
Newfoundland ; and from the latter place, by the way of 
Cape Sable, to this port, it having become indispensably ne- 
cessary, by the time we reached our own coast, to make the 
first convenient port in the United States ; owing, I am sor- 
ry to say, to that wretched disease, the scurvy, having 
made its appearance on board of the vessels, most generally 
to a degree seriously alarming. 

From the western part of the banks of Newfoundland to 
our making the island of Madeira the weather was such, at 
least six days out of seven, as to obscure from our discovery 
every object that we did not pass within four or five miles of, 
and indeed for several days together the fog was so thick as 
to prevent our seeing each other, even at cable's length a- 
sunder, more than twice or thrice in 24 hours. 

From the time of our leaving the United States until our 
arrival here we chased every vessel we saw, and you will 
not be a little astonished when I inform you, that, although 
we brought to every thing we did chase, with the exception 
of four vessels, we only made seven captures and one recap- 
ture. 

It is truly an unpleasant task to be obliged to make a com- 
munication thus barren of benefit to our country ; the only 
consolation I individually feel on the occasion being derived 
from knowing, that our being at sea obliged the enemy to 



NAVAL MONUMENT. 209 

concentrate a considerable portion of his most active. force, 
and thereby prevented his capturing an incalculable amount 
of American property that would otherwise have fallen a sac- 
rifice. 

I am aware of the anxiety you must have experienced at 
not hearing from me for such a length of time ; but this I 
am sure you will not attribute in any degree to neglect, 
when I inform you, that not a single proper opportunity oc- 
curred from the time of leaving the United States until our 
return. 

Mr. Newcomb, who will deliver you this, you will find, 
an intelligent young man, capable of giving such further in- 
formation as you may deem of any moment : He will at 
the same time deliver you a chart, showing the tract in 
which we cruised. Annexed is a list of vessels captured, 
recaptured, and burnt. 

The four vessels we chased and did not come up with, were 
the Belvidera, a small pilot-boat schooner, supposed to be 
an American privateer, the hermaphrodite privateer Yankee, 
which we lost sight of in a fog, but whose character we af- 
terwards learnt, and a frigate supposed to be British, that 
we chased on the 28th ult. near the shoal of George's bank, 
and should certainly have come up with, had we had the 
advantage of two hour's more day-light. 

On board of the several vessels of the squadron there are 
between 80 and 100 prisoners, taken from the vessels we 
captured during our late cruise. The government not hav- 
ing any agent for prisoners here, I shall send them to Com. 
Bainbridge, to be disposed of in such manner as best ap- 
pears with the interest of the United States, and which I 
hope may meet your approbation. 

With the greatest respect, I have the honour 

to be, sir, your obedient servant, 
Hon. Paul Hamilton, JOHNRODGERS. 

Sec r y of the navy. 

29 



210 NAVAL MONUMENT. 

EXTRACT FROM COMMODORE RODGERS' JOURNAL, 

Sailed from New York June 21. The 23d, 6 A. M. dis- 
covered and gave chase to an English frigate, supposed to 
be the Belvidera. The superiority of the President's sailing, 
while the breeze continued fresh, enabled her to get within 
gun-shot between 4 and 5 P. M. when it had moderated so 
much as to give very faint hopes of getting along side. At 
this time perceiving she was training her guns to bear upon 
the President, the latter commenced a fire at her spars and 
rigging, with the view to cripple and get abreast of her, a 
fire was kept up about two hours. The President gave her 
two or three broadsides, and kept up a well directed fire 
from the chase guns, which cut her sails and rigging very 
much, but did not succeed in destroying any of her spars, 
although some of them were much wounded. The Presi- 
dent all this time was exposed to a running fire from her 
four stern-chasers ; and once the British frigate commenc- 
ed afire from her main deck, with an intention of raking 
the President with a broadside, but at that moment receiving 
one from the President, continued the course under a press 
of sail, and used only her stern guns. All sail Avas crowd- 
ed in pursuit, but in vain. The chase was now throwing 
overboard every thing that could be spared, to increase her 
sailing, and escaped by lightness of the wind ; four of her 
boats were seen floating by the President, completely knock- 
ed to pieces, together with a great number of casks, spars, 
&c. and it was supposed most of her guns were also thrown 
overboard. 

The President received a considerable number of shot in 
her sails and rigging, but was not materially injured. The 
chase was continued till about midnight, when it was relin- 
q uished as hopeless, and the President hove to for the squad- 
ron to come up. Early in the chase, one of the President's 
chase guns, on the gun-deck, burst, and injured the upper 
deck so much, as to prevent the use of the chase guns on 
that side for a considerable time. The President had three 
killed, and 19 wounded ; most of the latter slightly ; of the 



NAVAL MONUMENT. 211 

wounded, 16 were by the bursting of a gun. It was by the 
same gun Com. Rodgershad his leg fractured ; but has re- 
covered. 

The squadron afterwards pursued the Jamaica fleet; but 
owing to uncommonly foggy weather, missed them, although 
at times very near. 

After the renconter above related, Capt. Byron, of the 
Belvidera, in conversation with an American gentlemen, ob- 
served, that, in his opinion, Com. Rodgers had done every 
thing on board the President, which could have contributed 
to the capture of his ship. When the squadron first gave 
chase to the Belvidera, they gained upon her very fast ; and 
Capt. Byron considered his vessel as lost ; but as a last 
resort, when the President was coming up within gun-shot of 
the Belvidera, orders were given to cut away the anchors, 
stave the water casks, and throw overboard the boats, 
and every thing moveable, which could be spared, and 
which could tend to lighten the ship. As soon as this 
had been^done, it was observed that the Belvidera be- 
gan to draw from the chase ; which being discovered 
by Com. Rodgers, he opened his fire upon her, in hope 
of disabling some of her spars, and thereby enable 
him to come up with her. Capt. Byron declared, that the 
fire from the President was extremely well directed, almost 
every shot taking effect ; and that to the circumstance above 
related, and the wind at the same time becoming more 
light, was his escape to be attributed. 

A declaration, like this, coming from an enemy, is con- 
clusive evidence of the good conduct of Com. Rodgers. 



BRIG NAUTILUS. 



TheU. S. brig Nautilus, 12 guns, Capt. Crane, (the loss 
of which was mentioned on page 7,) 16 hours from New- 
York, on a cruise, was captured the 16th of July by the 
British frigate Shannon, after a hard chase of six hours, du- 



212 NAVAL MONUMENT. 

ring which the Nautilus was obliged to start her water, and 
throw over all her lee-guns. She was ordered to Halifax, 
with Lieutenant Crane on board ; the remainder of the of- 
ficers and crew (106 in number) were sent on board the Af- 
rica. 

LETTER FROM A WARRANT OFFICER OF THE NAUTI- 
LUS TO HIS FATHER. 

On board his Britannic Majesty's ship Africa, 

at sea, lat. 37 o , long. 69 o , July 23, 1812. 
Honoured Sir, 

I have to inform you that we sailed from New York 
the 15th July on a cruise. On the 16th at sun-rise discov- 
ered five sail to windward, which proved to be the British 
ships Africa, Shannon, Guerriere, Bckidera, and AEolus, and 
which gave us chase, we then standing E. We immediate- 
ly wore ship to the W. and made all sail, it then blowing 
fresh, and used every exertion to get clear by throwing 
overboard our anchors, part of our guns, and starting wa- 
ter in the hold ; all which proved fruitless. At half past 12, 
after a chase of six hours, the Shannon came within half 
gun-shot ; when we had no alternative but to strike our 
colours to a force so superiour to ours. The officers and 
crew behaved like men, and would not have submitted but 
to a greatly superior force. Great praises are due to Capt. 
Crane for his officer and seamanlike conduct ; and the lieu- 
tenants and other officers merit the attention of a grateful 
country. 

Since we have been prisoners we have been treated with 
the utmost politeness and humanity by the officers of this 
ship. We have every indulgence which we could expect, 
and can hardly realize that we are prisoners. We expect in 
a few days to be sent to Halifax, to remain until we are ex- 
changed, which we hope will be soon, and that in the mean 
time our country will not forget us. I am, &c. 



NAVAL MONUMENT. 213 

ESSEX AND ALERT. 

LETTER FROM CAPT. PORTER OF THE ESSEX FRIGATE 
TO THE SECRETARY OF THE NAVY. 

Sir, At sea, August 17, 1812. 

I have the honour to inform rou, that on the 13th his 
Britannic Majesty's sloop of were Alert, Capt. T. L. P. 
Laugharne, ran down on our weather quarter, gave three 
cheers, and commenced an action (if so trifling a skirmish 
deserves the name) and after eight minutes firing struck her 
colours, with seven feet water in her hold, much cut to pie- 
ces, and 3 men wounded. 

I need not inform you that the officers and crew of the Es- 
sex behaved as I trust all Americans will in such cases, and 
it is only to be regretted, that so much zeal and activity 
could not have been displayed on an occasion that would 
have done them more honour. The Essex has not received 
the slightest injury. 

The Alert was out for the purpose of taking the Hornet ! 
I have the honour to be with great respect, 

vour obedient servant, 
Hon. Paul Hamilton, D. PORTER. 

Sechj of navy. 
The Alert mounted twenty 181b. carronades, [rated in 
Steel's list 16,] and had 130 men. 

Sir, At sea, August 20, 1812. 

Finding myself much embarrassed by the Alert from the 
great number of prisoners we have already made (about 
500) I concluded that before our arrival in America the 
number would be considerably augmented, and as I found 
my provisions and water getting short, and being well satis- 
fied that a plan had been organized by them for rising on 
the ship in the event of an engagement ; I considered it to 
be for the interest of my country to get clear of them as 
speedily as possible, particularly as I was well assured that 
immediately on their arrival at St. Johns, an equal number 
of my countrymen would be released and find a sure and 



214 NAVAL MONUMENT. 

immediate conveyance. I therefore drew up written stip- 
ulations corresponding with the accompanying letters ; 
threw all the guns of the Alert overboard ; withdrew from 
her all the men belonging to the Essex ; appointed Lieut. 
J. P. Wilmer to command her as a cartel, put all my pris- 
oners on board her, and despatched her for St. Johns, in 
Newfoundland, with orders to proceed from thence to 
New York with such Americans as he may receive in ex- 
change. 

At a more suitable opportunity I shall do myself the hon- 
our to lay before you copies of every paper relative to this 
transaction, and sincerely hope that my conduct in this af- 
fair may meet with your approbation. 

As the Essex has been so annoying about Bermuda, Nova 
Scotia, and Newfoundland, I expect I shall have to run the 
gauntlet through their cruisers ; you may however rest as- 
sured, that all a ship of her size can do shall be done, and 
whatever may be our fate our country shall never blush for 
us. 

I have the honour to be, &c. 
Hon. Paul Hamilton, D. PORTER. 

Sec'?/ of navy. 

We are obliged to omit the correspondence between Cap- 
tains Porter and Laugharne, in which it was finally agreed 
that the Alert, after being disarmed, should go to Newfound- 
land, as a cartel, with British prisoners. The Alert after- 
wards returned to New York with American prisoners. 

EXTRACT OF A LETTER FROM ADMIRAL DUCKWORTH 
TO THE SECRETARY OF THE NAVY. 

St. Johns, Newfoundland, Aug. 31, 1812. 
A vessel captured as the Alert has been, could not have 
been vested with the character of a cartel, until she had en- 
tered a port of the nation by which she had been captured, 
and been regularly fitted out from thence. For every 
prize might otherwise be provided with a flag of truce, and 
proposals for an exchange of prisoners ; and rendered thus 



NAVAL MONUMENT. 215 

effectually secure against the possibility of recapture ; while 
the cruising ship would be enabled to keep at sea with an 
undiminished crew ; the cartels being always navigated by 
the prisoners of war. 

It is utterly inconsistent with the laws of war to recog- 
nise the principle upon which this arrangement has been 
made. 

Nevertheless I am willing to give a proof at once of my 
respect for the liberality which the captain of the Essex has 
acted, in more than one instance, towards the British sub- 
jects who have fallen into his hands ; of the sacred obliga- 
tion that is always felt, to fulfil the engagements of a Brit- 
ish officer ; and of my confidence in the disposition of his 
royal highness the Prince Regent, to allay the violence of 
war by encouraging a reciprocation of that courtesy by 
which its pressure upon individuals may be so essentially 
diminished. 

On the 4th of this month, a midshipman of the Essex ar- 
rived, and presented to me a letter from his captain, pro- 
posing an exchange for 86 British prisoners. The midship- 
man had however been placed alone in the charge of one of 
the captured vessels, with 86 prisoners, to conduct them to 
this port. A list of 40 prisoners of the same description, 
disposed of in the same manner, has been sent to me by the 
commander of the American private armed schooner the 

Rossie. 

It is incumbent upon me to protest in the strongest man- 
ner against the practice of conducting exchanges upon 
terms like these ; and to signify to you that it will be utter- 
ly impossible for me to incur, in future, the responsibility 
of assenting to them. 



WASP AND FROLIC. 



The capture of the Frolic by the Wasp has been already 
given. Seepage 14. After Capt. Jones had manned his 



g46 NAVAL MONUMENT 

prize, the Wasp and the Frolic had the misfortune to fall in 
with the Poictiers 74, Capt. Beresford, and both were cap- 
tured and sent to Bermuda. Lieut. James Biddle was on 
board the Wasp as a volunteer, and has briefly narrated the 
occurrence in the following letter to his father. 

His Britannic Majesty's Ship Poictiers 74, at sea, 

My dear father, Oct. 21, 1812. 

The fortune of war has placed us in the hand of the ene- 
my. We have been captured by this ship, after having our- 
selves captured his Britannic majesty's brig Frolic. 

The Frolic was superiour in force to us ; she mounted 
eighteen 321b . carronades, and two long 9s. The Wasp you 
know has only 16 carronades. The action lasted 43 min- 
utes ; we had 5 killed, and the slaughter on board the Frolic 
was dreadful. We are bound into Bermuda. I am quite 
unhurt. In haste, &c. J. BIDDLE. 

A court of inquiry, convened to investigate the conduct 
of Capt. Jones in surrendering the Wasp, gave the follow- 
ing opinion, which was approved by the secretary of the 
navy. 

" The court, having heard the statement and evidence in 
this case, and having maturely considered the circumstan- 
ces attending the surrender of the U. S. ship of war, the 
Wasp, of 16 guns, to his Britannic majesty's ship of the 
line, the Poictiers, of 74 guns ; particularly the crippled 
and disabled state of the Wasp from the brilliant and suc- 
cessful action with his Britannic majesty's ship, the Frolic, 
of superiour force to the Wasp about two hours before the 
Poictiers hove in sight, and the force and condition of the 
Poictiers, which made it useless for them to contend, and 
rendered them unable to escape, are unanimously of opin- 
ion, that there was no impropriety of conduct on the part 
of the officers and crew of the said ship Wasp during the 
chase by the Poictiers, or in the surrender ; but that the 
conduct of the officers and crew of the Wasp on said occa- 



NAVAL MONUMENT. 217 

sion was eminently distinguished for firmness and gallant- 
ry, in making every preparation and exertion, of which 
their situation would admit." 



VIXEN 

The United States brig Vixen, Capt. Reed, was captured 
in November 1812, by the Southampton 32, commanded by 
Sir James Lucas Yeo, after a chase of nine hours. Both 
vessels were afterwards totally lost on the island of Concep- 
tion (Bahamas,) but the crews were saved and carried to 
Nassau. 

Copy of a letter from Capt. Sir James Lucas Yro, of his Majes- 
ty's Ship Southampton, to Vcie Admiral Stirling, 
His Majesty's Ship Southampton, at sea, 
Sir, JVw. 22, 1812. 

His majesty's ship under my command, this day captur- 
ed the United States brig Vixen, Capt. George Reed, mount- 
ing twelve 18 pounders, carronades, two long 9s, and 130 
men. She had been out five weeks, and I am happy to say, 
had not made any capture. I have, &c. 

JAMES LUCAS YEO, Capt. 
Charles Stirling, Esq. 
Vice Admiral of the white, <^c. 



CAPTURE OF THE SWALLOW. 

EXTRACT OF A LETTER FROM COMMODORE RODGERS 
TO THESECR'Y OF THE NAVY. 

United States, Frigate President, at sea, 
Sir, October 17, 1812. 

I have the honour to acquaint you, that on the 15th inst. 
near the Grand Bank, this ship, the Congress in company, 
captured the British king's packet Sicalloio, Joseph Mor- 

30 



218 NAVAL MONUMENT. 

phew commander, bound from Kingston, Jamaica, to Fal- 
mouth. The rank of the commander of this vessel is that 
of a master and commander in the navy. She had no car- 
go on board except twenty boxes of gold and silver, amount- 
ing to between one hundred and fifty and two hundred 
thousand dollars. The specie I took out of her, and had 
intended sending her to England in the character of a car- 
tel with her own crew ; but having fallen in with the Amer- 
ican schooner Eleanor, bound from Baltimore to France, 
dismasted, induced me to change mv determination. 

With the greatest respect, &c. 

JOHN RODGERS. 

The President and Congress arrived at Boston on the 31st 
of December, after an active cruise of between 80 and 90 
days. The President brought in about 50 prisoners. The 
cash taken from the packet Swallow was carried to the bank 
from the navy yard, with drums beating, and colours fly- 
ing, in several waggons, escorted by a part of the crews of 
the frigates, and a detachment of marines, amidst the huz- 
zas of a large concourse of spectators. The specie and 
gold dust deposited amounted to nearly three hundred thou- 
sand dollars. 

Richard Moss, quarter-master-gunner, died on board the 
President, Oct. 16. A few hours before his death, he in- 
formed Com. Rodgers, that he had a wife and three chil- 
dren in Boston, dependent on him for support ; and express- 
ed considerable anxiety for them, knowing he had but little 
time to live. Soon after his death, at the suggestion of 
Com. Rodgers, a subscription paper was opened, which he 
headed, and was handed through the ship to the officers and 
crew for subscription, when upwards of seven hundred dol- 
lars were immediately subscribed by the generous officers 
and tars, for the relief of the widow and children. 



NAVAL MONUMENT. 219 

ESCAPE OF THE ARGUS. 

The nautical skill of the officers of our navy has often 
been acknowledged by the British. The following instance 
cannot but gratify the friends of the navy and of the offi- 
cer who conducted the escape. 

The United States brig Argus, Capt. Sinclair, sailed from 
Boston in company with the United States. After parting 
with her consort, she proceeded to the coast of Brazil, down 
the north coast of the country from St. Roquo to Surrin- 
am ; thence she passed to the windward of the island, and 
in every direction between the Bermudas, Halifax, and the 
continent. She arrived at New York in the month of De- 
cember, after a cruise of 96 days, having made five prizes, 
valued at $200,000. During her cruise she fell in with a 
squadron of the enemy, consisting of six sail, two of which 
were of the line, one of them a remarkably fast sailer. 
The favour of the moon enabling them to chase by night 
as well as in the day, the chase was continued for three 
days, without intermission, and under various circumstan- 
ces, but the unremitted exertions of his officers and crew 
enabled him to elude the pursuit. Pressed on all sides by 
the number of the enemy, and the baffling and unsettled 
state of the weather, the Argus was at onetime within musk- 
et shot of a 74, and at another surrounded. The determin- 
ed vigilance of Capt. Sinclair rescued her from the diffi- 
culty. They had joined in the chase an armed transport, 
with a view no doubt of distracting the attention and de- 
ceiving the chase, which being discovered, he bore down 
upon her, and compelled her to clear the way. Such was 
the confidence of Capt. Sinclair in the sailing of the Argus, 
that during the chase, although at one time so closely press- 
ed as to be compelled to lighten his vessel, by throwing over 
his spare anchors and spars and deck boats, and starting the 
salt water with which his casks had been filled as the fresh 
had been used, and reduced to the last necessity of wetting 
his sails ; yet did he preserve all his guns, and one night, 
during the chase, he found time to capture, man, and des- 



220 NAVAL MONUMENT. 

patch a prize. So close were they upon him, that when he 
again made sail, two of the ships opened their batteries up- 
on him. 



NAVAL ANECDOTE. 

On board the United States, Capt. Decatur, was a little 
boy, about nine years old. He was not considered one of 
the regular crew ; but he shared the mess of a generous sail- 
or, who had, two years before, taken him from his wid- 
owed mother. The spirit of his father, who had also been 
a seaman, had long since gone aloft, and left his wife and 
little ones on the shoals of poverty. 

When the Macedonian hove in sight, and all hands were 
clearing ship for action, the little fellow stepped up to Com. 
Decatur — " And it please you, Captain," said he, " I wish 
my name might be put down on the roll." — " And what 
for, my lad ?" — inquired the commodore. " So that I can 
draw a share of the prize money, sir," answered he. Pleas- 
ed with the spirit and confident courage of the little hero, 
his name was ordered on the list ; but the moment was too 
important to say more. 

After the prize was taken, Decatur thought of the little 
sailor boy, and called him up — " Well, Bill," said he, " we 
have taken her, and your share of the prize, if we get her 
safe in, may be about two hundred dollars ; what will you 
do with it ?" — " Til send one half to my mother, sir, and 
the other half shall send me to school." "That's noble," 
cried the commodore, delighted with the spirit of the lad, 
took him under his immediate protection, and obtained fol- 
ium the birth of a midshipman. Every attention has been 
paid to his education, and he gives great promise of mak- 
ing an accomplished officer. 



NAVAL MONUMENT. 221 

EXTRACT OF A PRIVATE LETTER FROM COM. BAIN- 
BRIDGE. 

Jit sea, January 24, 1813. 

11 The Java was exceedingly well fought and bravely de- 
fended. Poor Lambert, whose death I sincerely regret, 
was a distinguished, gallant officer, and worthy man. He 
has left a widow and two helpless children ! But his coun- 
try makes provision for such events. 

" We are now homeward bound. The damage the Con- 
stitution received in the action, and the decayed state she is 
in makes it necessary for me to return to the United States 
for repairs ; this I much regret ; my crew participate in 
this sentiment ; they are however consoling themselves 
with the hope of receiving their prize money. One says, 
he will buy himself a snug little ship on the highest hill he 
can find, that he may thence, in his old age, view all our 
sea-fights. Another, that now he will marry his Poll — an- 
other, that he will send his little Jack to school, &c. 

" Poor fellows, I trust they will not be disappointed in 
their expectations. Twice have they willingly and gal- 
lanntly encountered the enemy, and twice have they suc- 
ceeded. To return home now, and find they have nothing 
but a remnant of pay coming to them, would be extremely 
mortifying. It would inevitably depress their spirits, and 
damp that noble ardour which they have hitherto felt and 
displayed. The officer may feel differently. For the 
performance of his duty he feels a reward in his own bo- 
som, and in his country's thanks. Patriotism and a lauda- 
ble thirst for renown, will lead him to court perils in defence 
of his country's rights. These feelings operate upon the 
sailor also : but to keep up the high tone of his ardour, he 
must have prize money in view. 

True policy, in my humble opinion, dictates the destruc- 
tion of the enemy's ships after capture ; for by manning 
them, even if they are left in a manageable situation, our 
ships would be so weakened in their crews, that they would 
be liable to be captured by an equal, or insulted by an infe- 



222 NAVAL MONUMENT. 

riour force. The act of destruction is done by the command 
of the captain only — the crew, who have exposed their 
lives equally with him, have not the right of opposition. — 
When I ordered the Java to be destroyed, these considera- 
tions presented themselves to my mind with great force. — 
Surely justice'and sound policy obviously recommend a li- 
beral provision in their favour. In making these obser- 
vations I am not influenced by any selfish motive. The ap- 
plause of my countrymen has for me greater charms than 
all the gold that glitters. But justice to those who have 
bravely fought under my command, and assisted me in 
gaining this victory, requires at my hands an exertion in 
their behalf ; and should it please heaven to conduct us safe 
to our native shores, I shall not fail to use my best endea- 
vours, solemnly believing, as I do, that the principle is all 
important to the continued suceess of our navy. For if it 
is, as I hold it, the indispensable duty of the commander to 
destroy the capture on account of the gauntlet he would 
have to run with both the prize and his own ship (except 
he should be very near one of our own ports) and the cap- 
tain to receive (which is almost always the case) all the 
honour, and the others no compensation — is it not natural 
to suppose, that the ardent desire which our seamen, at 
present, so strongly manifest, to get into battle, would di- 
minish ? Let that once take place, and your naval fights 
will not, I prophecy, be so decisive as they would be by 
keeping the ardour up. And how trifling an expense the 
compensations would be in a national view ! The schooer 
that I am now despatching (a prize to the Hornet) will give 
to the public treasury upwards of one hundred thousand 
dollars." 



In the month of February, the letter-of-marque schooner I 
Lottery, Capt. Southcomb, of Baltimore, outward bound, 
was taken in the Chesapeake, by nine large boats, heavily 
armed, and having 240 men, after a gallant fight of an hour 



NAVAL MONUMENT. 223 

and a half. The Lottery carried 6 guns and had about 35 
men. 

The following correspondence relates to Capt. South- 
comb. 

Sir, U. S. Frigate Constellation Feb. 16, 1813. 

At the solicitation of Capt. Southcomb's friends, I sent a 
flao- down to the squadron of the enemy in Lynnhaven 
roads, to bring him and his two wounded men up to Nor- 
folk where their situation could be rendered more comfort- 
able. 

Enclosed you will receive a copy of Capt. Byron's note 
to Capt. Gould on the subject, and also copies of my letter 
to Capt. Byron and his answer. The cartel returned last 
evening with the body of Capt. Southcomb ; he was woun- 
ded in five places, gallantly defending his vessel against a 
number of armed boats. 

While such instances of bravery cannot but inspire the 
enemy with respect for the American character, I trust this 
instances, among many others of the humanity and generosi- 
ty of Capt. Byron, will not be forgotten by our countrymen. 

I have the honour to be, &c. 
Hon. W. Jones, &c. CHARLES STEWART. 

Sir, February 11, 1813. 

I am glad in being able to get the little box of China for 
Mrs. Gould. Rest assured of every attention being paid to 
the unfortunate Capt. John Southcomb and his two woun- 
ded men. Whatever vessel comes for them shall be treated 
with due respect, for which I have the senior captain's au- 
thority. I am your humble servant, 

Capt. Gould. R. BYRON. 

U. S. Frigate Constellation, Norfolk harbour, 
Sir, February 13, 1813. 

Capt. Gould has handed me a note you addressed to him 
of the 11th inst. in which you state, " by authority of the 
senior captain of his Britannic Majesty's squadron in Lynn- 



224 NAVAL MONUMENT. 

haven bay, that Captain Southcomb, and his two wound- 
ed men, will be delivered to any vessel that may come for 
them." 

I send a flag down to you for the purpose of receiving 
those unfortunate men, and avail myself of this opportuni- 
ty to thank you for your attention and humanity to the un- 
fortunate. I have the honour to be, &c. 

CHARLES STEWART. 

Capt. Richard Byron, &c. 

Belvidera, Lynnhaven anchorage, 
Sir, February 13, 1813. 

I received your letter of this morning by Dr. Ray : it is 
with extreme concern I acquaint you, that the unfortunate 
and gallant Capt. Southcomb expired this morning. It will 
be satisfactory in some degree to his widow, to know, he 
had a truly religious sense of his situation, latterly deliri- 
ous, without the excess of pain that might have been expec- 
ted. Capt. Gould and his steward have charge of his ef- 
fects. His body will be placed in the cartel so soon as the 
coffin can be prepared. The two wounded men at their own 
request went up in the former cartel, which I am sorry to 
hear got on shore. I am extremely flattered with the part 
of your letter, thanking me for attention and humanity to 
the unfortunate, which gives me the most perfect assurance 
of the generous feelings of Capt. Charles SteAvart. 

I have the honour to be, &c. 

Capt. C. Stewart, &c. R. BYRON. 



GENEROSITY. 

By the humanity of Capt. Smith, the officers and crew 
of the Congress frigate, lying in Boston harbour, a subscrip- 
tion of one hundred and fifty dollars was raised and presen- 
ted to Richard Dunn, who lost his leg in bravely fighting 
for "free trade and sailors' rights," on board the Constitu- 
tion, in her engagement with the British frigate Guerricre. 



NAVAL MONUMENT. 825 

Heroism — A Card. 

It. Dunn takes this method publicly to acknowledge the 
receipt of the above subscription, and to present his hearty 
thanks to Capt. Smith, his officers and crew, for their kind 
remembrance of him. He would also assure them, that 
though he has lost one leg, he is willing to fight on the other 
for the liberty of his enslaved brethren, and the honour of his 
country. 

March 1813. 



COMMODORE DECATUR'S SQUADRON. 

On the 1 1 tli of June, Com. Decatur and his squadron at- 
tempted to go to sea from New York, but were prevented 
by two 74s and a frigate, and driven into the harbour of 
New London, where they were blockaded until the close of 
the war, except the Hornet, which made her escape in Nov. 
1814. The American squadron consisted of the United States 
44 Macedonian 38, and Hornet 16. 



REVENUE CUTTER SURVEYOR. 

The Baltimore Revenue Cutter Surveyor was captured 
by the barges of the Narcissus frigate, in York river, on the 
night of the 12th of June. The enemy was discovered 
when about 150 yards distant. Capt. Travis could not 
brino- his guns to bear, and therefore furnished each of his 
men with two muskets. They held their fire until the 
British were within pistol shot ; but the enemy pushed on 
and finally carried the vessel by boarding, with 3 men kil- 
led, and a number wounded. Capt. Travis and his crew, 
15 in number, were all taken on board t4ie Junon, and the 
next day the senior officer of the Narcissus returned the 
captain his sword, with the following complimentary letter. 

Sir, His Majesty's Ship Narcissus, June 13, 1813. 

Your gallant and desperate attempt to defend your vessel 
against more than double your number, on the night of the 

31 



226 NAVAL MONUMENT. 

12th inst. "excited such admiration on the part of your op- 
ponents, as I have seldom witnessed, and induced me to re- 
turn you the sword you had so no nobly used, in testimony 
of mine. Our poor fellows have severely suffered, occa- 
sioned chiefly, if not solely, by the precaution you had ta- 
ken to prevent surprise ; in short, I am at a loss which to 
admire most, the previous engagement on board the Sur- 
veyor^ the determined manner by which her deck was dis- 
puted, inch by inch. 

I am, sir, with much respect, &c. 
Capt. S. Travis, JOHN CRERIE. 

U. S. Cutter Surveyor. 



ATTACK ON A BRITISH SQUADRON BY A FLOTIL- 
AL OF GUN-BOATS. 

LETTER FROM COM. JOHN CASSIN TO THE SECRETARY 

OF THE NAVY. 

S IR> Navy Yard, Gosport, June 21, 1813. 

On Saturday at 11 P. M. Capt. Tarbell moved with 
the flotilla under his command, consisting of 15 gun-boats, 
in two divisions, Lieut. John M. Gardner 1st division, and 
Lieut. Robert Henley the 2d — manned from the frigate, and 
50 musketeers, ordered from Craney Island by Gen. Tay- 
lor, and proceeded down the river ; but adverse winds and 
squalls prevented his appoaching the enemy until Sunday 
morning at 4, when the flotilla commenced a heavy galling 
fire on a frigate, at about three quarters of a mile distance, 
lying well up the roads— two other frigates lying insight. 
At half past 4, a. breeze sprung up from E. N. E. which 
enabled the two frigates to get under way— one a razee or 
very heavy ship, and the other a frigate— and to come 
nearer into action. The boats, in consequence of their ap- 
proach, hauled off, though keeping up a well directed fire 
on the razee and the other ship, which gave us several 
broadsides. The frigate first engaged, supposed to be the 



NAVAL MONUMENT. 227 

Junoriy was certainly severely handled — had the calm con- 
tinued one half hour, that frigate must have fallen into our 
hands, or been destroyed. She must k have slipped her 
mooring so as to drop nearer the razee, who had all sail 
set, coming up to her with the other frigate. The action 
continued one hour and a half with three ships. Shortly 
after the action, the razee got along side of the ship, and 
had her upon a deep careen in a little time, with a number 
of boats and stages round her. I am satisfied considarable 
damage was done to her, for she was silenced some time, 
until the razee opened her fire, when she commenced again. 
Our loss is very trifling. Mr. Allison, master's mate, on 
board 139, was killed early in the action, by an 181b. ball, 
which passed through him and lodged in the mast. No. 
154 had a shot between wind and water. No. 67 had her 
franklin shot away, and several of them had some of 
their sweeps and their stuncheons shot away — but two 
men slightly injured from the sweeps. On the flood tide 
several ships of the line and frigates came into the roads, 
and we did expect an attack last night. There are now in 
the roads 13 ships of the line and frigates, one brig and sev- 
eral tenders. 

I cannot say too much for the officers and crews on this 
occasion ; for every man appeared to go into action with so 
much cheerfulness, apparently to do their duty, resolved to 
conquer. I had a better opportunity of discovering their 
actions than any one else, being in my boat the whole of 
the action. 

1 have the honour to be, &c. 
Hon. W. Jone£, &c. JOHN CASS1N, 



226 NAVAL MONUMENT. 

4 

LOSS OF THE ASP. 

COPY OF A LETTER FROJI MIDSHIPMAN M'CLINTOCK 

TO THE SECRETARY OF THE NAVY. 

Sir, Kinsale, Virginia, July 13, 1813. 

I have to inform you of the unfortunate event which oc- 
curred here on the 14th ; the action between the British 
barges and the United States schooner »#.<?jj, commanded by 
Mr. Segourney. At 9 A. M. the Scopion and Jlsp got under 
way from Yeocomico river and stood out. At 10, discover- 
ed a number of sail, which proved to be the enemy ; the 
Scorpion then made signal to act at discretion, and stood up 
the river ; the schooner being a bad ^sailor and the wind 
ahead, we were not able to get out. Finding the enemy ap- 
proaching us, wc thought it best to return. Immediately 
two of the brigs stood towards us, and anchored a short 
distance from the bar, where they manned their boats. — 
Mr. Segourney thought it would be for our advantage to 
run further up the creek, which we did, but finding the en- 
emy had left their vjcssels, we had not time to weigh anchor, 
therefore we were obliged to cut our cables. We were at- 
tacked by three boats, well manned and armed ; we contin- 
ued a well directed fire on them, and after a short time they 
were compelled to retreat, and obtain a reinforcement. — 
About an hour after they retired, avc were attacked by five 
boats ; we continued doing the same as before, but having 
so few men, we were unable to repel the enemy. When 
they boarded us, they refused giving us any quarter. — 
There were upwards of 50 men on our decks, which com- 
pelled us to leave the vessel, as the enemy had possession. 
They put her on fire and retreated. A short time after 
they left her, we went on board, and with much difficulty 
extinguished the flame-. — But it is with deep regret that I 
inform you of the death of Mr. Segourney, who fought 
most gallantly in defence of the vessel ; and the utmost ex- 



NAVAL MONUMENT. 329 

ertion was used by every man on board. Our crew con- 
sisted only of 21. There arc ten killed, wounded and mis- 
sing, your obedient servant, 
Hon. W. Jones, H. M. M'CLINTOCK, 

Sec'y of navy. Midshipman in the U. S. navy. 



VIPER. 

The United States brig Viper, 14 guns, commanded by 
Lieut. Henley, was captured by the British frigate Narcis- 
sus. The customary court of inquiry was held in June on 
the conduct of Lieut. Henley. He was honourably ac- 
quitted, as having done all in his power to escape a superi- 
our force. The court gave the same opinion respecting 
the conduct of Capt. Reed, late commander of the Vixen- 
See page 217. 

The Viper was captured Jan. 1813. 



REPULSE OF THE BRITISH AT CRANEY ISLAND. 

Extract of a letter from Com. Cassin to the Sec'ry of the navy. 

Sir, Navy Yard, Gosport, June, 23, 1813. 

I have the honour to inform you, that on the 20th the 
enemy got under way, in all 13 sail, and dropped.up to the 
mouth of James' river, one ship bearing a flag at mizzen. — 
At 5, P. M. they were discovered making great prepara- 
tion with troops for landing, having a number of boats for 
the purpose. Finding Crancy island rather weakly man- 
ned, Capt. Tarbell directed Lieuts. Neal, Shubrick, and 
Sanders, with 100 seamen, on shore, at 11, P. M. to a small 
battery on the N. W. side of the island. 

Tuesday 22d, at dawn, the enemy were discovered land- 
ing round the point of Nansemond river ; at 8 A. M. the 
barges attempted 10 land in front of the island, out of reach 
of the shot from the gun-boats, when Lieuts. Neal, Shub- 
rick, and Sanders with the sailors, and Lieut. Brcckenridge 



230 NAVAL MONUMENT. 

with the marines of the Constellation, 150 in number, open- 
ed the fire which was so well directed, that the enemy were 
glad to get off, after sinking three of their largest boats. — 
One of them called the Centepede. Admiral Warren's boat, 
50 feet in length, carried 75 men, the greater part of whom 
were lost, by her sinking. Twenty soldiers and sailors were 
saved, and the boat hauled up. 

The officers of the Constellation fired their 18 pounder 
more like riflemen than artillerists. I never saw such 
shooting, and seriously believe they saved the island. 

I have the honour to be &c. 
Hon. W. Jones, &c. JOHN CASSIN. 

The number of the enemy engaged in the attack was 
nearly 3000. 

On the 25th of June the British, about 2500, attacked 
and took possession of the town of Hampton, after a brave 
resistance, by 400 Americans, under the command of Maj. 
Crutchfield. The atrocities of the enemy at this place are 
well known. 



SCHOONER EAGLE. 

Mv> York, June 27, 1813. 
The schooner Eagle, which sailed from this port on the 
15th, was taken by the enemy's barges at New London on 
the 25th. Owing to adverse winds the enemy were unable 
to tow the schooner along side of the squadron. While the 
enemy were attempting to take out the cargo, an explosion 
took place, which killed a considerable number of the ene- 
my. One barge first approached to capture the Eagle, 
but she was beat off. Three others came, and the schooner 
was abandoned by the crew. The cask, containing the 
powder had a lock, with which was connected a string, 
that was fastened to some of the articles of spoil tli^ enemy 
moved. The explosion took place by their means, and im- 
mediately the schooner and barges disappeared ! 



NAVAL MONUMENT. 231 

A fishing vessel arrived at Salem with the following en- 
dorsement on her papers. 

" His Majesty' } s Ship La Houge, at sea, 

JulyS, 1818. 
" I have warned the fishing boat Sally, of Barnstable, im- 
mediatly to proceed to her own coast, in consequence of 
the depredations committed by the Young Teazer, and other 
American privateers: on the British and coasting vessels be- 
longing to Nova Scotia ; but more particularly from the 
inhuman and savage proceedings of causing the American 
schooner Eagle to be blown up after she had been taken 
possession of by his majesty's ship Ramilies — an act not to 
be justified on the most barbarous principles of warfare. — 
I have directed his Britannic majesty's cruisers on the coast 
to destroy every description of American vessels they may 
fall in with, flags of truce only excepted. Given under my 

hand. 

« THOMAS B. CAPEL, Capt." 



EAGLE. 

BETTER FROM COM. LEWIS TO THE SECR'Y OF TIIE 

NAVY. 

Sir, Off Sandy Hook, July 6, 1818. 

I have the pleasure to inform you of the capture of the 
British sloop tender Eagle, which for some time had been 
employed, by Com. Beresford, for the purpose of burning 
the coasters, &c. Her force was two officers and 11 men, 
with a 321b. brass howitzer. This service was performed 
in the most gallant and officer like manner by Sailing Mas- 
ter Percival, who, with volunteers from the flotilla, which 
I have the honour to command, jumped on board a fishing 
smack, ran along side the enemy; and carried him by a 
coup de main. I am sorry to add, that in this little affair the 
enemy lost the commanding officer, one midshipman mor- 



232 NAVAL MONUMENT. 

tlaly wounded, and two seamen badly. I am happy to say, 
we suffered, no injury ; whieh is to be attributed to the su- 
periour management of Sailing Master Percival, and the 
coolness with which his men fired ; for which they all de- 
serve well of their country. 

I have the honour to be, &c. 
Hon. William Jones, &c. J. LEWIS. 

P. S. The capture was on Sunday, the 4th inst. 

FURTHER PARTICULARS. 

The fishing smack, named the Yankee, was borrowed of 
some fishermen at Fly Market, in the city of New York, 
and a calf, a sheep, and a goose purchased, and secured on 
deck. Between 30 and 40 men, well armed with muskets, 
were secreted in the cabin and fore-peake of the smack. 
Thus prepared, she stood out to sea, as if going on a fish- 
ing trip to the banks, three men only being on deck, dressed 
in fishermen's apparel, with buff caps on. The Eagle, on 
perceiving the smack, immediately gave chase, and after 
coming up with her, and finding she had live stock on deck, 
ordered her to go down to the commodore, then about five 
miles distant. The helsmman answered, aye, aye, Sir, and 
apparently put up the helm for that purpose, which brought 
him along side of the Eagle, not more than three yards dis- 
tant. The watch-word Laiorence was then given, when the 
armed men rushed on deck from their hiding places, and 
poured into her a volley of muketry, which struck the crew 
with dismay, and drove them all down so precipitately in- 
to the hold of the vessel, that they had not time to strike 
their colours. The Eagle, with the prisoners, was carried 
to the city and landed at Whitehall, amidst the shouts and 
pleudits of thousands ef spectators, assembled on the bat- 
cry, celebrating the 4th of July. 

Henry Morris, commander of the Eagle, was buried at 
Sandy Hook with military honours, and in the most res- 
pectful manner. Mr. Price, who died soon after, was bu- 
ried in Trinity Church yard, with every testimony of re- 



gard. 



NAVAL MONUMENT. 233 



TORPEDO. 



Mr. E. Mix of the navy, a gentleman of ingenuity anil 
enterprise, constructed a torpedo for the purpose of des- 
troying some of the enemy's shipping in Lynnhaven bay. 
The British 74 gun ship Plantagenct, which for some months 
had been lying abreast of Cape Henry light house, appear- 
ed to Mr. Mix, as the most favourable object on which to 
try his experiment. Accordingly, on the night of the 18th, 
and the four following, accompanied by Capt. Bowman of 
Salem and Midshipman M'Gowan, of the U. S. navy, he 
made the attempt, which proved fruitless, in consequence 
of being discovered by the enemy, who, suspecting some 
mischief, changed her position every night. On the night 
of the 24th however, Mr. Mix succeeded in finding her out, 
and having taken his position 100 yards distance, in a di- 
rection with her larboard bow, he dropped the fatal ma- 
chine into the water just as the centinel was crying aWs well. 
It was swept along with the tide, and very nearly effected 
its purpose. It exploded a few seconds too soon. 

The scene was awfully sublime. It was like the concus- 
sion of an earthquake, attended with a sound louder and 
more terrific than the heaviest peal of thunder. A pyra- 
mid of water, 50 feet in circumference, was thrown up 40 
or 50 feet ; its appearance was a vived red, tinged at the 
sides with beautiful purple. On ascending to its greatest 
height it burst at the top with a tremendous explosion, and 
fell in torrents on the deck of the ship, which rolled into 
the chasm and nearly upset. The light, occasioned by the 
explosion, though fleeting, enabled Mr. Mix and his com- 
panions to discover, that the fore-channel of the ship was 
blown off, and a boat, which lay along side with several 
men in her, was thrown up in the convulsion. 



EXPLOIT AT GARDNER'S ISLAND. 

On the evening of the 28th of July, two boats from the 
Macedonian and two from the United States, under Lieut. 
32 



2M NAVAL MONUMENT. 

Gallager, made an excursion into the sound. In the night 
a small boat, under the direction of Midshipman Ten Eyke, 
being separated by a strong wind and tide from the others, 
landed on Gardner's Island. In the morning, finding them- 
selves under the guns of the Ramilies, the boat was hauled 
ashore. Soon after a boat came ashore from the Rumilies 
and the officers went to a dwelling house. Midshipman 
Ten Eyke seized the favourable moment, made prisoners of 
those who were left with the English boat, and then with 
two men proceeded to the house, where he took two lieu- 
tenants, making in all, prisoners of two lieutenants one mid- 
shipman, one master's mate, and five seamen. Finding they 
were discovered by the Ramilies, the captives were paroll- 
ed, and Mr. Ten Eyke and crew made their escape to Long 
Island. The succeeding night the other boat took them off. 



DELAWARE FLOTILLA.— LOSS OF GUN-BOAT NO. 121. 

Extract of a letter from Lieut. Angus, commanding the U. 8. 
Delaware flotilla, to the Secr'yof the navy. 

Sir, Cape May, July, 29, 1813. 

Lying off Dennes' creek this morning, I discovered, that 
an enemy's sloop of war had chased a small vessel, and ta- 
ken her near the Overfalls. I immediately got under 
way, and stood down the bay. The sloop of war stood so 
near the Overfalls, that she grounded slightly on the outer 
ridge of Crow's shoals. I thought proper to endeavour to 
bring him to action. I succeeded, and got within three 
quarters of a mile, and anchored the boats (consisting of 8 
gun-boats and two black ships) in aline ahead. A heavy 
frigate had by this time anchored about half^a mile further 
out. After a cannonade of 1 hour and 45 minutes, in which 
the ships kept up a constant and heavy fire, heaving their 
shot from a half to three quarters of a mile over us, they 
doing us but little damage ; the sloop of war and frigate, 
finding our shot to tell on their hulls, manned their boats, 



NAVAL MONUMENT. 235 

ten in number, (2 launches, the rest large barges and cut- 
ters,) with from 30 to 40 men in each, and despatched them 
after gun-boat No. 121, Sailing Master Shed, which had 
unfortunately fell a mile and a half out of the line, although 
it had been my positive and express orders to anchor at half 
cable length apart, and not further. From the strong ebb 
tide they succeeded in capturing her, after a gallant resist- 
ance, (for three times did No. 121 discharge her long gun, 
apparently full of canister, among the whole line of boats, 
when at a very short distance, which must have done exe- 
cution, and not till after she was boarded, did the colours 
come down, before any assistance could be given her. How- 
ever, we got near enough to destroy 3 or 4 of their boats, 
and must have killed a vast number of men. It being a 
calm, they succeeded in getting her away by sending all 
their boats ahead and towing her ; but they have paid dear 
for their temerity. They must at least have had one third 
of their men killed and wounded. I am happy to say, that 
not a man was wounded in any of our boats, except the 
one captured, whose fate I have not yet learnt. I feel much 
indebted to Lieut. Mitchel, and officers commanding gun- 
boats, for their spirited conduct in carrying into execution 
my orders ; and if I may judge from the gallant resistance, 
made by sailing Master Shed, in engaging when surrounded 
by the boats of the enemy, that every officer and man of 
the flotilla will do his duty in all situations. 

I have the honour to be, &c. 
Hon. W. Jones, &c. SAMUEL ANGUS. 

From Lieut. Shed's official letter it appears, that 7 of our 
men were wounded, 5 slightly. The loss of the enemy was 
7 killed and 12 wounded. 



COMMODORE RODGER'S CRUISE. 

On the 26th of September, the U. S. frigate President, 
Com. Rodgers, arrived in the harbour of Newport, after a 
cruise of more than five months. This ship left Boston on 
the 30th of April, in company with the U. S. frigate Congress 



236 NAVAL MONUMENT. 

from which she separated on the 30th of the same month. 
She pursued her course to the Grand Bank, the Azores, 
Shetland isles, and to North Bergen, where she put in for 
water. She left this place on the 2d of July, shaped her 
course towards the Orknev Islands, and from thence to the 
north seas. July 19th off North cape, White sea, was chas- 
ed 86 hours by 2 line-of-battle ships, took a circuit round 
Ireland, got into the latitude of Cape Clear, proceeded to 
the Grand Banks, and from thence to the United States. 

The following is the concluding part of the commodore'' s official 

account. 

" During my cruise, although I have not had it in my 
power to add any additional lustre to the character of our 
little navy I have nevertheless rendered essential service to 
my country, I hope, by harassing the enemy's commerce, 
and employing to his disadvantage more than a dozen times 
the force of a single frigate. 

a My officers and crew have experienced great privations 
since I left the United States, from being nearly five months 
at sea, and living the last three months of that time upon a 
scanty allowance of the roughest fare ; and it is with pecu- 
liar pleasure that I acquaint you, that they are all in better 
health than might be expected, although you may well sup- 
pose that thek scanty allowance has not been of any advan- 
tage to their strength or appearance. 

" The High Flyer was commanded by Lieut. Hutchinson, 
second of the St. Domingo. She is a remarkably find ves-. 
sel of her class, sails very fast, and would make an excel- 
lent light cruiser, provided the government have occasion 
for a vessel of her description. 

" Just at the moment of closing my letter, a news-paper 
has been handed 'me, containing Capt. Broke's challenge to 
my late gallant friend, Capt. Lawrence, in which he men- 
tions, with considerable emphasis, the pains he had taken 
to meet the President and Congress, with the Shannon and 
Tenedos. 



NAVAL MONUMENT. 237 

" It is unnecessary at present to take furtlihr notice of 
Capt. Broke's observations, than to say, if that was his dis- 
position, his conduct was so glaringly opposite, as to au- 
thorize a very contrary belief. Relative to Capt. Broke, 
I have only further to say, that I hope he has not been so 
severely wounded as to make it a sufficient reason to pre- 
vent his reassuming the command of the Shannon at a fu- 
ture day." 

Here follow the names of 1 1 merchantmen, and the 
High Flyer schooner of 5 guns, captured during his cruise. 

The capture of the schooner High Flyer, of 5 guns, by 
Com. Rodgers, was very extraordinary. On making the 
schooner to the southward of Nantucket Shoals, she hoisted 
the private British signal, which was answered by- Com. 
Rodgers, and fortunately proved the private British signal 
of that day. Upon seeing this, the High Flyer came imme- 
diately to him. Com. Rodgers ordered one of his officers 
to dress in a British uniform, and manned out a boat and 
boarded him. The lieutenant of the schooner did not wait 
to be boarded, but manned his own boat and boarded the 
President, supposing her to be a British frigate. The Brit- 
ish Lieut, was on board for some time, before he discovered 
his mistake. The officer that boarded the schooner from 
the President, asked the officer, lefi in charge of the schoon- 
er for his private signals and instructions, which were im- 
mediately handed to him ; by this stratagem, Com. Rod- 
gers has obtained possession of the British private signals, 
and Ad. Warren's instructions. On examining Ad. War- 
ren's instructions, Com. Rodgers discovered the number of 
British squadrons, stationed on the American coast — their 
force, and relative position — with pointed instructions to 
311 of them, if possible to capture the President. 



238 NAVAL MONUMENT. 

CHALLENGE. 

Copy of a letter from Lieut. Claxton to his father. 

Macedonian, .Weto London," Jan. 19, 1814. 
Dear father, 

For the two last days we have been all anxiety ; an Amer- 
ican captain returned on parole from the Ramilies 74, a few 
days since, and communicated to Com. Decatur, a consulta- 
tion he had with Capt. Hardy, in which the letter said, 
" that now that two frigates were off, of equal force to the 
United States and Macedonian, that he should have no ob- 
jection to a meeting taking place, but that he could not al- 
low the challenge to come from the English commanders." 
The hint was embraced in a moment, and Capt. Biddle des- 
patched with a challenge from our commanders. In the 
mean time every preparation was made, on our side, for an 
immediate engagement, which we all supposed no objection 
could be made to : the crews of both ships were called to- 
gether, and addressed by their commanders, who made 
known to them the substance of the business then on foot ; 
they were answered by three hearty cheers. Capt. Jones 
concluded his short and pertinent address in the following 
words, spoken with great modesty : " My lads, our cruise 
will be short, and, I trust, a very profitable one." Capt. 
Biddle went on board the 74 ; a signal was immediately 
made for the two commanders of the English frigates, and 
they went on board. Capt. Hardy addressed them, " gen- 
tlemen, here are two letters for you ; it rests altogether with 
you to decide on the matter." Stackpole, of the Statira, 
answered with the greatest affection, " pon honour, sir, it is 
the most acceptable letter I ever received." The final an- 
swer was to be given yesterday. Capt. Biddle returned, 
and related the circumstance as I have mentioned. For 
myself, I thought from the manner of Stackpole, that he 
would be first to flinch. I am not able to say that he did ; 
it is enough, that the captain of the Borer (sloop of war,) 
came in yesterday, and made known that they had declin- 



NAVAL MONUMENT. 239 

ed meeting us. This circmstance has made a vast deal of 
conversation here, much to the credit of our commanders 
— it will probably be distorted into a hundred different 
shapes before it is done with ; I have therefore given you 
a correct though brief account of it. The Endymion 
mounts the same weight of metal with the United States, and 
three or four guns more, and the Statira is superiour to us 
by one or two guns. The disappointment is very great 
with us, for every soul calculated on taking her with ease. 
You see we must trust altogether to our heels. 

Yours affectionately, 

A. CLAXTON. 



GALLANT DEFENCE OF THE ALLIGATOR. 

The following is Mr. Basset? s report. 

Sir, U. S. Schooner Alligator, Wappo, Jan. 31, 1814. 

I have the honour to inform you, that the U. S. schoon- 
er Alligator, under my command, was attacked on the even- 
ing of the 29th inst. then lying at anchor in Stono river 
and abreast of Coles' Island, by six boats from the enemy's 
squadron, off the mouth of the river, and succeeded in 
beating them off, after a warm action of 30 minutes. I 
have to regret on this occasion the loss of 2 men killed and 
2 wounded ; one of the latter, the pilot, Mr. Robert Hatch 
severely. This brave man fell at the helm, exhorting those 
around him to take good aim at the enemy. I hope his 
conduct will entitle him to your notice. It is impossible to 
ascertain what loss the enemy sustained ; but from suddenly 
ceasing their fire from the two large launches, and the other 
boats joining them immediately, I am induced to believe 
they suffered severely, as the schooner grounded, and they 
did not renew the action. The sails and rigging of the 
schooner are much cut, but no damage sustained in the hull. 
I cannot conclude without rendering my thanks to the gal- 
lant officers and men you did me the honour to place under 



240 NAVAL MONUMENT. 

my command, for their meritorious conduct, which alone 
preveuted the schooner from falling into the hands of an 
enemy of more than treble our number. 
J- H. Dent, Esq. R. BASSETT. 

Capt Dent in communicating this report says, great credit 
is due to Sailing Master Bassett, his officers and crew, for 
defeating a force so greatly superior in numbers, as there 
could not have been less than 140 men opposed to 40. 

— 



LOSS OF THE FERRET. 

OFFICIAL ACCOUNT. 

Sir, Folly- Island, Feb. 3, 1814. 

1 am sorry to acquaint you of the entire loss of the U. S. 
schooner Ferret. This unfortunate circumstance occurred 
last evening, on the North Breakers of Stony Inlet. 

I am happy to say, none of her officers or men were lost 
or injured. They have lost every thing belonging to 
them, and would suffer much, were it not for the kindness 
of Mr. D arley and Mr. Heoland, who have rendered many 
services. 

I am making preparations to proceed to the wreck with 
a vessel, to save what articles of rigging and sails I can get 
at. I am in hopes to get some of her guns, which I threw 
into the hold. Finding the vessel half full of water, I ap- 
prehended her drifting out in deep water, should she be 
lightened, would render our situation more hazardous. 

Mr. Brailsford, whom I have sent on with a proportion of 
my crew, will inform you more particularly of the circum- 
stance which the present haste I am in will not allow me to 
do, as fully as I could wish. 

I have the hoiitour to be, 

most respectfully, your obe't serv't, 

LAWRENCE KEARNEY. 
Lieut. Com. U. States schooner Ferret. 
Com. J. H. Dent, Com' g Naval Officer, Charleston. 



NAVAL MONUMENT. 241 

CRUISE OF THE PRESIDENT. 

The United States frigate President, Com. Rodgers, ar- 
rived an Sandy Hook, on the 18th of February 1814, after 
a cruise of 75 days. She passed most of the West-India 
islands ; lay off Charlestown 48 hours, and was chased by 
a 74, two frigates, and two sloops of war. During the 
cruise she captured three English merchantmen, which 
were sunk, after taking out their cargoes. She had on 
board 30 prisoners. A private letter from an officer on 
board the President states, 

u Situations in which we have been placed this cruise, 
will, I think, add lustre to the well established character of 
Com. Rodgers. 

" After passing the light, saw several sail- one large sail to 
the windward ; backed our main top-sail and cleared ship 
for action. The strange sail came down within gun-shot — 
hauled her wind on the larboard tack. We continued with 
our main top-sail to the mast three hours, and seeing no pro- 
bability of the 74 gun ship's bearing down to engage the 
President, gave her a shot to windward and hoisted our col- 
ours — when she bore for us reluctantly — when within half 
gunshot, backed his maintop-sail. At this moment, all 
hands were called to muster aft ; and the commodore said 
a few, but impreseive words, though it was unnecessary ; 
for what other stimulent could true Americans want, than 
fighting gloriously in sight of their native shore, where 
hundreds were assembled to witness the engagement ? Wore 
ship to engage, but at this moment the cutter being discov- 
ered coming off, backed again to take in the pilot^; and the 
British 74 (strange as it must appear) making sail to the 
southward and eastward — orders were given to haul aboard 
the fore and main tack?, to run in ; there being then in 
sight from our deck, a frigate and gun-brig. 

"The commander of the 74 had it in his power for five 
hours to bring us at any moment to an engagement ; our 
main top-sail to the mast during that time." 

33 



242 NAVAL MONUMENT. 

It was afterwards ascertained, that the ship which de- 
clined battle with the President was the Plantagenet 74, Capt. 
Lloyd. The reason given by Capt. Lloyd for avoiding an 
engagement was, that his crew were in a state of mutiny 



RATTLESNAKE AND ENTERPRIZE. 

The. U. S. brigs, Rattlesnake, Lieut. Creighton, and En- 
terprise, Lieut. Renshaw, arrived at Wilmington N. C. the 
former on the 9th, and the latter on the 7th of March, 
from a cruise. Three times they were chased by a superi- 
our force of the enemy. On the 25th of February the En- 
terprize was chased 70 hours, and escaped by throwing over 
her guns, cutting away her anchors, and starting her water. 



DEATH OF MIDSHIPMAN HALL. 

Extract of a letter Jrom Capt. C. Gordon to the Sec'ry of the navy. 

Constellation, off Craney Island, March, 10, 1814. 

" I have to report to you the loss of one of my midship- 
men, Mr. William C. Hall. He was quite young, and the 
smallest on board ; but a youth of great promise, who had 
so much interested himself with the officers and crew, that 
his loss has spread a momentary gloom over the ship. He 
fell from^the mizzen top-mast head, to the quarter deck, yes- 
terday evening, while we were in the act of sending down 
top-gallant yards, and expired instantly. 

" He had been much accustomed to going aloft, and had 
gone up to the mast-head, on that occasion, as he said to 
the captain of the top, to observe how they unrigged the 
yard ; having hold of the top-gallant shroud, the yard must 
have struck him in canting. He will be buried in the 
church yard at Norfolk this day at noon, with the ceremo- 
nies due to his grade. He is from Queen Ann county, east- 
ern shore of Mary land ; no parents and only a sister living. 
This family is known to Governor Wright, the representa- 
tive in congress from that district. 



NAVAL MONUMENT. 24S 

CONSTITUTION. 

On the 3d of April, the U. S. frigate Constitution, Capt- 
Stewart, arrived at Marblehead, having been chased in by 
the British frigate Junon and Tencdos, of 38 guns each, 
which had been in chase of her from day light. The frig- 
ates, or one of them it is said got within 2 or 3 miles of the 
Constitution, at one time, and to effect her escape she was 
obliged to throw overboard her provisions, &c. and every 
thing moveable, and started all her water. Some prize 
goods were likewise thrown over. 

She immediately anchored above Fort Sewall, in a pos- 
ture of defence, her exposed situation rendering her liable 
to an attack, should she remain there long. In order to the 
protection of the frigate and the town, a number of heavy 
cannon were sent over from Salem, and Maj. Gen. Hovey 
issued an order for the Marblehead battalion of artillery to 
hold itself in readiness to act. Com. Bainbridge, to whom 
an express had been sent, despatched assistance from the na- 
vy yard in Charleston, and the company of New England 
Guards began their March from Boston, to afford such aid 
as might be required of them. But towards evening the 
Constitution weighed anchor and came round into this har- 
bour, where she is considered in a state of securitv. The 
Constitution's cruise has been about three months. In the 
Mona passage, she chased a frigate, without being able to 
come up with her. Her crew is in fine condition, and her 
safe return is hailed with joy. [Salem Gaz.] 



ATTACK ON VESSELS AT PETIPAGUE. 

At 4 o'clock in the morning of the 8th of April, six Brit- 
ish barges, containing 300 men, entered the port of Peti- 
pague, and burnt about twenty sail of vessels. Many of 
them were ships worth from fifteen to twenty thousand dol- 
lars each. They did their business effectually, for the ves- 
sels were all burnt to the water's edge. They gave out 



244 NAVAL MONUMENT. 

word to the inhabitants, that if they made the least resist- 
ance, they would fire the town. 

The property destroyed was owned in New York, Mid- 
dletown, Hartford and Petipague. A fine cutter brig they 
attempted to get out, but failed, and she shared the fate of 
the others. She was from 3 to 400 tons, and was worth 
about 18,000 dollars. The British force is stated, by gen- 
tlemen from near the scene of action, to have been about 
150, which is probably as great a number as six boats could 
carry. It is added, that the enemy remained on shore all 
day, unmolested, and went off about 8 in the evening. — 
They came from a frigate and a gun-brig lying off Say- 
brook. 

The enemy took possession of a store, where they re- 
mained all day, part of the time amusing themselves, an d 
at night about 1000 men had been collected, who fortified 
both sides of the river, just above the ferry, intending to 
surprize the enemy as they returned, but the British, having 
waited until it was dark, passed unobserved, by muffling 
their oars, or laying concealed in their boats, and letting 
them float down with the tide. A number of small vessels, 
which were in the rear of the enemy, were not molested. 



LOSS OF THE FROLIC. 

On the 21th of April, the United States sloop of war 
Frolic, J. Bainbridge commander, was captured by the Or- 
pheus frigate, without firing a gun, her armament having 
been thrown overboard in the chase. By this event, we 
have lost a fine vessel and a gallant crew, but we have lost 
no honour. 



CRUISE OF THE ADAMS. 



The U. S. ship Adams, Capt. Charles Morris, sailed from 
the Chesapeake in January 1813 — passed to the southward 
of Bermuda, crossed the Atlantic, captured a number of 



NAVAL MONUMENT. 245 

prizes and arrived home in safety, in the month of April. — 
The official account of Capt. Morris concludes thus : 

•' After a long chase on the 25th of March, the last four 
hours of which was in thick weather, we captured the En- 
glish India ship Woodbridge, with a cargo of rice and dye 
wood, but had barely taken possession of her, when the 
weather cleared up, and we discovered a fleet of 25 sail im- 
mediately to the windward of us, and two ships of war 
standing for us. We were compelled to abandon the prize 
with precipitation, and attend to our own safety." 



NAVAL ARCHITECTURAL ENTERPRIZE* 

Capt. Nathaniel M. Perley, late commander of the ship 
Volant, which was captured on her passage from Bayonne 
to Boston, and carried into Halifax, has constructed and 
nearly completed, within eight weeks, a schooner, of about 
110 tons, which for beauty, strength and utility, is not excel- 
led in the world. She was built near Rowley Green, one 
mile and a half from the water. No object of this nature 
and magnitude has ever created more speculation of opin- 
ion, than the building of this vessel ; and it was generally 
conceived that she could never be transported to her destin- 
ed element ; but to the surprize of many, and joy of all, on 
the 2d day of May, she was started from her building place, 
at about 10 o'clock, A. M. and before 5 P. M. was landed 
at the water's edge. The whole apparatus for the operation 
was prepared under Capt. Perley's immediate direction. — 
She was borne by a set of trucks, of four wheels each, 
about 2 feet in height, and 16 inches broad. These were 
drawn by 100 yokes of oxen, in four strings, two of which 
were to the forward trucks, and two attached to a cable, 
prepared for the purpose. The subject is rendered more 
interesting by the fact, that neither man, beast, nor pro- 
perty received any essential injury. The Aveight is estima- 
ted at from 100 to 120 tons. Improvements may probably 
be made on this invention, Avhich will prove highly useful 
to the mechanic, f merchant, and man of enterprize. 



246 NAVAL MONUMENT. 

On the 23 and 25 of May the flotilla of gun boats, under 
the command of Com. Lewis, attacked a part of the British 
blockading squadron near New London, and opened a pas- 
sage for 40 or 50 sail of coasters. This flotilla has been of 
essential service on the coast, rescuing many vessels from 
the grasp of the English with the most determined courage. 
It is stated in a way that seems entitled to credit, that 17 
were killed and 47 wounded on board the Maidstone frigate, 
in one of the engagements with the gun-boats. The vessel 
was much injured. 



The U. S. schooner Nonsuch, Lieut. Kearney, stationed 
off Charlestown S. C. in June narrowly escaped from cap- 
ture by a frigate. During the chase she threw overboard 
11 of her guns. 



On the 26th of June, a combined attack of artillery, ma- 
rine corps, and flotilla, under Com. Barney, was made on 
two of the enemy's frigates near Pawtuxent. An officer 
on board the flotilla thus writes : 

" We moved down with the flotilla, and joined in the cho- 
rus with the artillery. Our fire was terrible. At 6 o'clock 
they began to move, and made sail down the river, leaving 
us masters of the field. Thus we have again beat them 
and their rockets, which they did not spare. First, we 
beat off a few boats, then they increased the number, then 
they added schooners, and now, behold the two frigates ! 
all have shared the same fate. We next expect ships of t 'the 
line. No matter, we will do our duty. Our loss was 6 
killed and 4 wounded. Young Asqueth (midshipman,) who 
had just joined us, was killed." 



ALLIGATOR. 

On the 1st of July the U. S. schooner Alligator was up- 
set by a violent tornado, and snuk in 4 fathoms water. She 
was at anchor in Port Royal sound when the blast struck 



NAVAL MONUMENT. 247 

her : 23 were drowned. Among them were 2 promising 
young officers, Midshipmen Brailsford and Rogerson. The 
Alligator was afterwards got up, by the assistance of two 
vessels. 



LOSS OF THE RATTLESNAKE. 

Extract of a letter from Joseph Wikon, jun. purser of the late 
U. S. brig Rattlesnake to the Secr'y of the navy. 

Sir, Boston, July 29. 1814. 

I have the honour of making known to you the fol- 
lowing circumstances relative to the cruise and capture of 
the late U. S. brig Rattlesnake, by order of James Renshaw 
Esq. commander. May 31, lat. 40 o N. long. 33 o W. fell 
in with a frigate, and very narrowly escaped, by throwing 
over all the guns, except two long 9s. June 9th, lat. 47 o 
N. long. 8 o W. received information by a Russian brig 
from England of the Revolution in France, and destroyed 
the English brig John, laden with English goods. 

June 22, lat. 42 o N. long. 33 o W. destroyed English 
brig Crown Prince, laden witli fish. July 11th at day-light, 
wind south, discovered a frigate, on the weather, and Cape 
Sable on the lee bow ; the frigate proved to be the Leander, 
to which ship the Rattlesnake was surrendered at 8 A. M. 
after every exertion had been made to escape. 

The Rattlesnake arrived in Halifax on the 13th, and the 
Leander on the 14th inst. 

I have the honour to be &c. 

JOSEPH WILSON jun. 



Between the 16th and 20th of August, a large force of 
the enemy, in all about 60 sail, several of them ships of the 
line, arrived in the bay of Chesapeake. More than 50 of 
them entered the Patuxent, and landed their troops and ma- 



248 NAVAL MONUMENT. 

rines about Benedict (the head of frigate navigation,) about 
40 miles S. E. of Washington. Others landed their troops 
at Port Tobacco, on the Potomac. Their line stretched 
across the country between the two rivers. On the 22d 
Com. Barney's flotilla, lying near Point Pleasant, at the 
head of the sloop navigation of the Patuxent, consisting of 
1 cutter, 1 gun-boat, and 13 barges, was blown up, and the 
men drawn off by the gallant commodore for the protection 
of the city of Washington. On the same day, the British 
flankers approached near the " Wood yard," 12 miles from 
the city, where the main body of the American forces under 
Brig. Gen. Winder were posted. The line of battle was 
formed, and our advance guard offered to engage, but the 
enemy filed off to the left without noticing them. On the 
evening of the 23d, Gen. Winder's head quarters were at 
the " Battalion Fields," near Bladensburg, 8 miles from the 
city. The enemy continued their march towards the bridge, 
which they passed under a heavy fire from our artillery 
and riflemen. When the enemy approached the cityjon. 
the 24th, they met with a most obstinate resistance. It was 
here, that they came within reach of Barney and his gallant 
spirits,who had just gained the ground from a station near the 
navy yard, and fromhis three 18 pounders he opened an ac- 
tive, and most destructive fire. The fire continued till the 
enemy had nearly reached the muzzle of the guns. Greater 
exertions, or more determined courage could not have been 
exhibited. But resistance was vain. Under Com. Barney 
were about 400. The force of the enemy amounted to be- 
tween 5 and 6000. The veteran commodore, who has yet 
all the fire and spirit that distinguished him when he cap- 
tured the General Monk, in the early part of the revolution- 
ary war, fell badly wounded, and many of his brave follow- 
ers were killed ; yet he encouraged his men, and cautioned 
them not to waste their powder until the last moment that 
it appeared possible for them to escape, when he ordered 
a retreat. He was taken prisoner, with some of his men, 
and was treated in the handsomest manner by the enemy. 



NAVAL MONUMENT. 249 

On the evening of the 24th, the British took possession of 
the capital. The public property destroyed was the capi- 
tal ; the president's house ; the war office ; the treasury 
office ; the fort and magazine at Greenleaf's point ; the pub- 
lic stores, &c. at the marine barracks. The navy yard was 
set on fire by order of the secretary of the navy. A new 
frigate on the stocks, nearly ready to be launched, rating 44 
guns, which was to be called the Essex, and to be command- 
ed by Capt. Porter, and "a new sloop of war, the Jlrgus, 
were destroyed. The guns for the Independance 74, then 
rigging in Boston, were saved. 

Alexandria capitulated on the 28th. A series of desper- 
ately daring exertions were made by Rodgers, Porter, and 
Perry with the men of the two former and some of the 
Virginia militia, to prevent the escape of the enemy's frig- 
ates from Alexandria, with their booty. All that men could 
do with the means they had, by fire ships, barges, and has- 
tily erected batteries, was done ; but the enemy got off, tak- 
ing with him 14 of our vessels, laden with from 15 to 18000 
barrels of flour, 800 hogsheads tobacco, 1 50 bales cotton, and 
a small quantity of sugar. Twelve men were killed, and 
several wounded at Porter's battery ; at Perry's only one 
was wounded, at Rodgers' none were injured. As the cap- 
ture of Washington, the capitulation of Alexandria, and the 
repulse of the British from Baltimore belong to the military 
history of the war, they are here omitted, except those par- 
ticulars, which are connected with the honourable deeds of 
our navy officers and sailors. 



LOSS OF THE ADAMS. 

On the 1st of September, a large British force, about 40 
gail of vessels with troops, under the command of Admiral 
Criffith, and Sir John Sherbrooke, Governor of Nova Sco- 
tia, entered the Penobscot. The small garrison in the fort 
at Castine discharged their guns and retired. The enemy 
then took possession without opposition. The following 

34 



350 NAVAL MONUMENT. 

day they proceeded up the river to Hamden, distant 35 miles 
where lay the Mams frigate, Capt Morris, just returned 
from a cruise. Capt. Morris prepared himself to receive 
them as well as he could, by landing his guns and erecting 
batteries. A considerable militia force had by this time as- 
sembled ; but they fled at the approach of the enemy. He 
therefore, after a few fires, spiked his guns, burnt his stores 
and prize goods, and blew up the ship. He and his crew 
escaped. Capt. Morris was the last man who left the ves- 
sel. He made his escape, after firing the train by swim- 
ming. 

OFFICIAL ACCOUNT. 

Letter from Capt. C. Morris to the Sea , y of the navy. 
Sir, Portland Sept. 8, 1814. 

It is with regret that I inform you, we were compelled to 
destroy the Jldams, at Hamden, on the morning of the 3d 
inst. to prevent her falling into the hands of the enemy. 

All the officers effected their escape, and I believe the 
crew, with the exception of a very few, who were unable 
to travel. Their precise number cannot be ascertained, as 
we were obliged to pursue different routs, for the purpose 
of obtaining provisions, through the woods between the 
Penobscot and Kennebeck. 

I am now engaged collecting and forwarding the men 
with the utmost despatch to Portsmouth, from which 
place I hope soon to forward a detailed account of our pro- 
ceedings. 

In the mean time, I request you to believe, that the offi- 
cers and crew of this ship neglected no means in their pow- 
er for her defence. 

Very respectfully, your obedient servant, 
Hon. William Jones, C. MORRIS. 

Secr'y of the navy. 

A letter from Capt. Morris to the secretary of the navy, 
dated Sept. 20th, giving a more particular account of the 
loss of the Adams, concludes as follows : 



NAVAL MONUMENT. 251 

" The ^character of my first lieutenant, Wadsworth, was 
already too well established to require the additional evi- 
dence he gave of richly deserving the entire confidence of 
the department and his country. His brother officers of 
the navy and marines, equally zealous and and attentive, 
are also entitled to my thanks and their country's approba- 
tion. The bravery of the seamen and marines is unques- 
tioned ; their uncommonly good conduct upon their march, 
those feelings which induced them to rally round their flag, 
at a distance of 200 miles from the place of their dispersion, 
entitle them to particular approbation, and render them an 
example, which their brother tars may ever be proud to 
imitate." 



LOSS OF THE SYREN. 

COPY OF A LETTER FROM CAPT. BRINE, OF HIS MAJES- 
TY'S SHIP MEDWAY 74, TO VICE ADMIRAL TYLER. 

His Majesty's Ship Medway, at sea, 
Sir, July 12, 1814. 

I have the honour to acquaint you, that cruising in the 
execution of your orders, I this day fell in with and cap- 
tured, after a chase of 1 1 hours, nearly on a wind, the Uni- 
ted States brig of war Syren, commanded by J. N. Nich- 
olson, who succeeded to the command by the death of her 
captain (Parker) at sea. The (Syren is pierced for 18 guns, 
had 16 mounted, viz. two 42 and twelve 241b carronades, 
with two long 9 pounders, and had a complement of 137 
men ; all her guns, boats, anchors, cables, and spars were 
thrown overboard during the pursuit. The Syren had re- 
ceived a most complete repair, previous to her sailing, and 

is newly coppered. I have &c. 

AUG. BRINE. 

A court of inquiry, convened at New York on the 2d of 
September 1815, after mature deliberation on the evidence 



252 NAVAL MONUMENT. 

adduced, and on all the circumstances attending the capture, 
were of opinion, "that no censure can be attached to Lieut. 
Com. Nicholson for the loss of the Syren; but, on the con- 
trary, that his conduct was that of a cool, vigilant, zealous, 
and active officer. The court were also of opinion, that 
the conduct of the officers and crew during the chase was 
perfectly correct and free from censure." 

SAMUEL EVANS, Prest. 
Samuel R. Marshall, Acting Judge Advocate. 



REPULSE OF THE BRITISH AT MOBILE. 

Extract of a letter from Gen. Jackson to the secr r y of the navy. 

Sir, September 17, 1814. 

With lively emotions of satisfaction, I communicate, 
that success has crowned the efforts of our brave soldiers in 
resisting and repulsing a combined British naval and land 
force, which on the 15th inst. attacked Fort Bowyer, on 
the point of Mobile. 

I enclose a copy of the official report of Maj. William 
Lawrence, of the 2d infentry, who commanded. In ad- 
dition to the particulars communicated in his letter, I have 
learnt, that the enemy's ship which was destroyed, was the 
Hermes, of from 24 to 28 guns, Capt. the Hon. William H. 
Percy, senior officer in the gulf of Mexico ; and the brig 
so considerably damaged is the Sophie, 18 guns, Capt. 
William Lockyer. The other ship was the Carron, of from 
24 to 28 guns, Capt. Spencer, son of Earl Spencer ; the 
other brig's name unknown. On board the Carton, 85 
men were killed and wounded. 

An achievement so glorious in its consequences, should 
be appreciated by the government ; and those concerned 
in it are entitled to and will doubtless receive, the most 
gratifying evidence of the approbation of their country- 
men. 

In the words of Major Lawrence, " where all behaved 
so well, it is unnecessary to discriminate." But all being 



NAVAL MONUMENT. 25S 

meritorious, I beg leave to annex the names of the officers, 
who were engaged and present, and hope they will individ- 
ually, be deemed worthy of distinction. 

Maj. William Lawrence, 2d infantry; commanding ; Capt. 
Walsh of the artillery ; Captains Chamberlain, Brownlow, 
and Bradley of the 2d infantry Capt. Sands, deputy com- 
missary of ordnance ; Lieutenants Villerd, Sturges, Conway, 
H. Sanders, T. R. Sanders, Brooks, Davis, and C. Sanders, 
all of the 2d infantry. 

I am confident that your own feelings will lead you to 
participate in my wishes on this subject. Permit me to sug- 
gest the propriety and justice of allowing to this gallant lit- 
tle band the value of the vessel destroyed by them. 

I have the honour, &c. 

A. JACKSON. 



CAPTURE OF THE PIRATES OF BARRATARIA. 

Extract of a letter from Com. Patterson to the secr'y of the navy. 

Sir, New Orleans, Oct. 10, 1814. 

I have very great satisfaction in reporting to you, that 
the contemplated expedition against the pirates, so long and 
strongly established among the western islands and waters of 
this state, of which I had the honour to inform you in my 
letter of the 10th ult. has terminated in the capture and de- 
struction of all their vessels in port — their establishments on 
the islands of Grand Terre, Grand Isle, and Cheniere, and 
the dispersion of the band themselves. The successful issue 
of this attack upon them will, I trust, prevent their ever 
collecting again, in force sufficient to injure the commerce 
of this state. 

The force of the pirates was 20 pieces of cannon mount- 
ed, of different calibers, and as I have learnt since my ar- 
rival, from 800 to 1000 men of all nations and colours. I 



254 . NAVAL MONUMENT. 

have brought with me to this city six fine schooners and one 
felucca, cruisers and prizes of the pirates, and one armed 
schooner under Carthagenion colours found in campany, 
and ready to oppose the force under my command. 

I have the honour, &c. 

DANIEL PATTERSON. 

In another letter from Com. Patterson to the secretary of 
the navy, honourable mention is made of Lieut. Alexis, T. 
Shields, purser, J. D. Ferris, commander of vessel No. 5, 
Lieut. T. A. C. Jones, Acting Lieut's Spedder and M'Kee- 
ver, Sailing Masters Ulrick and Johnson, and Acting Lieut . 
Cunningham. 

On t the 23d of September, by some accident, gun-boat 
No. 140 was blown up at Ocracock. Nine persons lost 
their lives by this disaster. 



The United States tender, Franklin, commanded by Mr. 
Hammersley, master's mate, was captured on the 6th of 
November by a tender and 14 barges and boats of the ene- 
my, off Back River point, after a very gallant defence of 
an hour and a half. The Franklin was afterwards recap- 
tured. 



LOSS OF A FLOTILLA IN LAKE BORGNE. 

Letter from Jlcting Surgeon Marshall to Com. Patterson. 
Sir, New Orleans, Dec. 17, 1814. , 

I have the honour to inform you, that on Tuesday even- 
ing, the 13th inst. at 10 o'clock A. M. the enemy landed at 
Pass Christianne with one hundread and six barges from 
the squadron off Ship Island. At 2 P. M. got under way, 
and directed their course towards the U. S. gun vessels, 
then laying at onohor off Bay St. Louis. They did not 
however come up with our squadron that night, which, in 
the mean time retreated to the Malheraux Islands, wher e 
the wind and tide forced them to remain. Wednesday, the 



NAVAL MONUMENT. 255 

14th inst. the weather being calm, at 10 o'clock. A. M. an 
engagement ensued, which continued about 2 hours, when 
the enemy closed and surrounded the gun vessels in every 
direction, keeping up a constant fire from their great guns 
and musketry, and making frequent attempts to carry by 
boarding. In this situation, our gallant officers and men, 
resolving never to give up their ships, fought with the most 
distinguished bravery, for the incredible space of one hour, 
against such an overwhelming force ; when the action ter- 
minated in the capture of gun vessels No. 156, 162, 163, 23, 
5, and despatch boat Alligator, which were immediately 
carried to the eastward. I immediately proceeded with 
Mr. Johnson, to the Petitte Coquilles, where I received in- 
structions to join the enemy, and render such aid as their 
prisoners might require. On Friday morning I arrived at 
the Bay of St. Louis, and discovered that the British had 
succeeded, without difficulty, in getting one large ship, sev- 
eral brigs and schooners through Pass Mary Ann, and oth- 
ers rapidly following them, amounting to at least 50 in num- 
ber. Having made this discovery, I deemed it prudent to 
dispense with my instructions, in order to acquaint you with 
this circumstance. I accordingly employed a guard to con- 
vey me in the most expeditious route to New Orleans, (the 
direct communication being in possession of the enemy.) 
Friday evening I discovered 10 schooners in the mouth of 
Pearl river, and five gun vessels at the east entrance of the 
Rigolets, under way and steering towards the Petit Coquil- 
les. 

I have no doubt the above vessels are constructed for 
those waters, and that in ten days the British will have from 
20 to 40 sail in Lake Ponchartrain. 

I have the honour &c. 

GEORGE MARSHALL. 

The American flotilla carried in all 23 guns and 182 men. 
The British, 42 guns and 1200 men. Capt. Lockyer receiv- 
ed three wounds in the action. From the nature of the 
engagement, and the observations made by our officers 



256 . NAVAL MONUMENT. 

while prisoners, the enemy's loss in killed and wounded 
may be estimated at more than 300, among whom are an 
unusual proportion of officers. Our loss was comparative- 
ly small. 

In May 1815, a court of inquiry was held in the naval 
arsenal, at New Orleans, for the purpose of investigating 
the conduct of the officers and men, late of the late divis- 
ion of United States gun-vessels, under Lieut. T. A. C. 
Jones, captured by the enemy December 14, 1814. They 
were acquitted in the most honourable manner. The opin- 
ion of the court concludes as follews : " With the clearest 
evidence for their guide, the court experience the most 
heartfelt gratification in declaring the opinion, that Lieut. 
Com. Jones, and his gallant supporters — Lieutenants Sped- 
der and M'Keever, Sailing Masters Ulrich and Ferris — 
their officers and men, performed their duty on this occas- 
ion, in the most able and gallant manner, and that the action 
has added another and distinguished honour to the naval 
character of our country." 



LOSS OF U. S. SCHOONER CAROLINA. 

Extract of a letter from Capt. Henley to Com. Patterson, 
Sir, New Orleans, Dec. 28, 1814. 

I have the honour to inform you, that after you left here 
on the 26th inst. in pursuance to your order, every possible 
exertion was made to move the schooner Carolina higher 
up the river, and near Gen. Jackson's camp, without suc- 
cess ; the wind being at N. N. W. and blowing fresh, and 
too scant to get under way, and the current too rapid to 
move her by warping, which I had endeavoured to do with 
my crew. 

At day light, on the morning of the 27th, the enemy 
opened upon the Carolina a battery of five guns, from 
which they threw shells and hot shot ; we returned their 
fire with the long 12 pounder, the only gun on board, 
which could reach across the river. The air being light 



NAVAL MONUMENT. 257 

rendered it impossible to get under way. Finding the ves- 
sel in a sinking condition, and expecting every minute she 
would blow up, at a little after sunrise I reluctantly gave or- 
ders for the crew to abandon her, which was effected with 
the los9 of one killed and six wounded : a short time after 
I had succeeded in getting the crew on shore, I had the ex- 
treme mortification of seeing her blow up. It affords me 
great pleasure to acknowledge the able assistance I received 
from Lieuts. Norris and Crowley and Sailing Master Hat- 
ter, and to say that my officers and crewbehaved on this 
occasion as well as on the 23d, when under your own eye, 
in a most gallant manner. I have &c. 

JOHN D. HENLEY. 

The naval officers and sailors, of the New Orleans, sta- 
tion, fought with uncommon bravery in the glorious battle 
of the 8th of January 1815, of which honourable notice is 
taken in the following letter. 



LETTER FROMW. C. C. CLAIBORNB TO COM. PATTERSON. 

Sir, New Orleans, Jan. 28, 1815. 

I have been a witness of your unwearied exertions and 
steady firmness during the late struggle ; I am very sensi- 
ble of the obligations Louisiana is under to you and to the 
portion of the U. S. navy, which you command, for a most 
zealous and effectual cooperation in the defence of its capi- 
tal. Receive then yourself, and be good enough to convey 
to the officers and men under your orders, my warmest 
thanks. The misfortune which attended our gun-boats on 
the lakes is, on account of the many brave men who fell on 
the occasion, cause of sincere regret ; but we know that 
the unequal conflict was for a length of time, gloriously 
maintained ; nor was the flag of our country struck, until 
our gallant tars had added still more lustre to the naval 
character of America ; a character, which I sincerely hope 

35 



258 . NAVAL MONUMENT. 

you may long live to sustain, and in those conspicuous sta- 
tions, which you so well deserve to occupy. 
I have the honour to be &c. 

WILLIAM C. C. CLAIBORNE. 



PEACOCK. 

The United States sloop of war Peacock, Capt. L. War- 
rington, arrived at New York on the 30th of October 1815, 
after a successful cruise of nine months. During her cruise 
she touched at the Islands of St. Paul, Amsterdam, Java, 
and Bourbon. From her different captures she obtained 
about 15,000 dollars in silver-and 4 or 5,000 more in gold, 
besides a large quantity of valuable goods. Among the 
vessels captured by the Peacock was the ship Nautilus, 14 
guns and 130 men, taken after a sinaje broadside, which 
killed 7 and wounded 16 men. 

A FACT WORTHY OF RECORD. 

The arrival of the United States sloop Peacock, from her 
last cruise against the British, and the conclusion of the war 
against the States of Barbary, by the squadron under the 
command of Com. Decatur, have given rise to the follow- 
ing unprecedented historical fact, to wit : The declaration, 
prosecution, and successful termination of one naval Avar, 
before all the cruisers of a previous naval war had come in. 



LAKE HURON. 

In the summer of 1814, the squadron under Com. Sin- 
clair, on Lake Huron, captured the British schooner Mink, 
laden Avith flour. The Mink was built on Lake Superiour, 
and was a new vessel ; also, his Britannic majesty's schoon- 
er Nancy, of 3 guns ; a fine vessel and richly laden with 
valuable stores. The schooner Perseverance, laden with 
provisions, was captured on Lake Superiour by Com. Sin- 
clair, and was destroyed in passing down the falls of St. 
Mary's. 



NAVAL MONUMENT. 259 

Com. Sinclair, having destroyed all the naval force of the 
enemy above the size of batteaux, on the upper lakes, in 
August returned to Erie, leaving the U. S. schooner Scorpi- 
on and Tygress, under the command of Licuts. Turner and 
Champlin, for the purpose of blockading Nattawasauga riv- 
er. On the night of the 3d of September, the Tygress was 
captured by the barges of the enemy, and on the 5th the 
Scorpion shared the same fate. 

Extract from the opinion of a court of inquiry, held on board 
the United States Ship Independence, in Boston harbour, to 
investigate the causes of the capture of the Scorpion and Ty- 
gress. 

" The court find, that after Lieut. Turner had proceed- 
ed to cruise off French river, on the night of the 3d of 
September last, the Tygress was attacked by the enemy in 
five large boats, (one of them mounting a 6 pounder, and 
the others a 3 pounder each,) and by 19 canoes, carrying 
about 300 sailors, soldiers, and Indians, under the command 
of an English naval officer : that owing to the extreme 
darkness of the night, the enemy were not perceived until 
they were close on board ; nor were they then discovered 
but by the sound of their oars. 

" After they were discovered, every exertion was made 
by Lieut. Champlin, his officers and men, to defend his 
schooner, that bravery and skill could suggest ; and not un- 
til all the officers were cut down, did the overwhelming- 
numbers of the enemy pravail. The enemy, having thus 
captured the Tygress, and having mounted on her their 6 
and 3 pounders, and placed on board a complement of from 
70 to 100 picked men, remained at St. Joseph's until the 
5th of September. On the evening of that day the court 
find, that the Scorpion returned from cruising off French 
river, and to anchor within five miles of the Tygress, with- 
out any information having been received, or suspicion en- 
tertained by Lieut. Turner, of her capture. At the dawn 
of the next day, it appears that the gunner having charge 



260 NAVAL MONUMENT. 

of the watch, passed word to the sailing master, that the 
Tygress was bearing down under American colours. In a 
few minutes after, she ran along side of the Scorpion, fired, 
boarded, and carried her. 

" It appears to the court, that the loss of the Scorpion is, 
in a great measure, to be attributed to the want of signals ; 
and owing to this deficiency, no suspicions were excited as 
to the real character of the Tygress ; and from some of the 
English officers and men on board of her being dressed in 
the clothes of her former officers and men, and the residue 
of the enemy's crew being concealed, a surprise was effect- 
ed, which precluded the possibility of defence. 

t( The court are therefore of opinion, from the whole 
testimony before them, that the conduct of Lieut. Turner 
was that of a discreet and vigilant officer. 

JOHN SHAW, Pres. 
W. C. Aylwyn, Judge Advocate. 
Approved, B. W. Crowninshield. 



LAKE ERIE. 

On the afternoon of the 8th of October 1812, two British 
armed vessels, the Caledonia and Detroit (formerly the Amer- 
ican brig Adams) arrived at fort Erie, from Maiden, and 
anchored under the guns of the fort. Capt. Elliot, the na- 
val commander on Lake Erie, immediately conceived the 
project of cutting these vessels out of the harbour in the 
course of the succeeding night : Accordingly, the necessa- 
ry arrangements having been made, about 100 volunteers, 
consisting principally of sailors, under the command of 
Capt. Elliott, armed with sabres and pistols, embarked in 
two boats about midnight, and rowing into the lake above 
the vessels, drifted down with the current till they were 
hailed by a centinel from one of the vessels, when they 
sprang to their oars, and closing in upon the vessels, they 
boarded them, drove the British below the decks, cut the 
cables, and towed them down the lake. 



NaVaL MONUMENT. 261 

The night being dark and cloudy, the vessel run aground; 
the Caledonia ran close into the ferry at Black Rock, and 
the Detroit on the upper end of Squaw Island, near the mid- 
dle of Niagara river. In their passage down and while 
they were aground, the British opened their batteries upon 
them, and the Americans returned the fire from the Detroit; 
but finding they could not bring the guns to bear upon the 
enemy to advantage, they left her. About 10 o'clock next 
morning, a company of British regulars from Fort Erie 
boarded the Detroit, with an intention to destroy the mili- 
tary stores with which she was principally laden ; but they 
were dislodged by a detachment of volunteers, under the 
command of Capt. Cyrenus Chapin, who crossed over to 
Squaw Island for that purpose. 

About 3 o'clock in the afternoon of the same day the 
British boarded the Detroit a second time, and were again 
dislodged. In this second attempt three of the British 
were taken prisoners, and a considerable number of them 
wounded. During the principal part of the day the Brit- 
ish kept up a heavy fire from their batteries, upon the ves- 
sels for the purpose of destroying them, and to prevent them 
from falling into our hands. 

The Caledonia, however, with her cargo of fur, estimated 
at $150,000, was secured by our men, who, after remov- 
ing the principal part of the military stores from the De- 
troit set her on fire and abandoned her. 

In this gallant enterprize, about 50 of the British were 
taken prisoners, and 28 prisoners of the 4th regiment of 
Gen. Hull's army, retaken. On our part, 4 were killed 
and 7 wounded ; one killed in boarding, and the others 
from the batteries on the British shore. Among the killed 
was the brave Maj. Cuyler, aid to Gen. Hull. He was bu- 
ried with the honours of war. 

The Detroit mounted six 61b. long guns, and had 56 men. 
On board her were the Americans mentioned above. The 
Caledonia mounted 2 small guns, and had a crew of 12 men 
The Detroit, formerly the United States vessel of war Jldams, 



262 WAVAfc MONUMENT. 

was captured by the British, on the 16th of August 1812, 
when Gen. Hull's army, and the town of Detroit were sur- 
rendered to the enemv. 

* » 

For an account of Perry^s victory?* see page 84. 



LAKE CHAMPXAIN. 
LOSS OF THE GROWLER AND EAGLE. 

On the morning of the 2d of June 1813, the Groicler and 
Eagle were ordered from Plattsburg to the lines, under the 
command of Lieut. Sidney Smith, in consequence of Brit- 
ish gun-boats coming into our waters, and annoying our 
small water craft. Next morning they discovered a British 
wun-boat and immediately gave her chase ; she fired an 
alarm gun, and in fifteen minutes four others came up to 
her assistance, and commenced firing upon our vessels, at 
the lower end of Ash Island, (six miles within the prov- 
ince.) In an hour and a half the enemy had landed one 
hundred regulars from the Isle-aux-Noix, on each side of 
the river, opposite our vessels, within musket shot. The 
current being strong., and wind southerly, it was impossi- 
ble for our vessels to get back. They, however, contin- 
ued an incessant and heavy fire, and kept the enemy on 
shore at such a respectable distance, that their fire had no 
effect. 

The action lasted from five to half past nine o'clock, A. 

M. when the Eagle, being no longer able to support her 

weight of metal, (she being very old) went down on firing 

her last broadside ; the Growler was at length compelled to 

yield to superior force. 

* Immediately after Com. Perry left the Lawrence, a sailor, who was 
left behind, determining not to fall into the hands of the enemy, leaped 
overboard and swam to the Niagara. The brave tar reached the Niagara 
almost as soon as the commodore. This anecdote was mentioned by the 
commodore himself who was an eye witness of it. The sailor is exhidited 
in the plate representing the buttle. 



•• 



NAVAL MONUMENT. 263 

Our loss was one killed, six wounded, and 10G taken 
prisoners. The loss of the enemy is not known. 

The Grmcler carried ten 121b carronades : the Easrle 10 
guns. 



In August 1813, a considerable British force landed at 
Plattsburg, destroying the public buildings and stores, and 
immediately afterwards abandoned the place. 

Soon after the battle of the 11th of September,* a quan- 
tity of shells &c. were taken out of the lake, of which 
mention is made in the following extract of a letter from 
Com. Macdonough to the secretary of the navy. 

November 6, 1814. 

" I have the honour to inform you, that about six tons 8 
inch shells have been taken out of the lake by us at this 
place, which were thus secreted by the enemy in his late 
incursion into this country. 

" A transport sloop has also recently been raised at Isle 
La Motte, which was sunk by the enemy, loaded with their 
naval stores, and various instruments of war. On weigh- 
ing the powder taken on board the enemy's squadron, we 
find 17,0001bs. with shot in proportion, besides much fixed 
ammunition." 

LAKE ONTARIO. 

On the morning of the 19th of July 1812, Capt. M. T. 
Woolsey, of the Oneida, lying in Sacket's harbour, discov- 
ered from the masl-head of his brig five British sail, viz. 
the Royal George of 24 guns, the Prince Regent of 22, the 
Elmira of 20, the Seneca of 18, and one other, about five 
leagues distant, beating up for the harbour, with a wind 
ahead. Soon after sun-rise, the Prince Regent brought to, 
and captured the custom-house boat about 7 miles from the 
harbour, on her return from Gravelly Point. The boat's 
crew were liberated and set on shore, with a message to 
Col. Bellenger, the commandant at the harbour, demanding 
* For an account of Macdonongli's victory, see page 147. 



264 NAVAL MONUMENT. 

the surrender of the Oneida, and the late British schooner 
Nelson, seized of a breach for the revenue laws, and fitting 
for a privateer, and declaring, that in case of a refusal to 
surrender the vessels, the squadron would burn the village, 
or lay the inhabitants under contribution. Soon after this, 
Capt. Woolsey left the harbour in the Onedia, and ran down 
within a league of the squadron, when he returned and moor- 
ed his vessel on a line with the battery. Capt. Woolsey, be- 
ing the most experienced engineer present, left the Onedia 
under the command of a lieutenant, went on shore, and took 
the command of a 32 pounder, mounted the day before on 
the battery, the other guns of which consisted of 9 pounders. 
By this time the enemy had arrived within gun-shot, the 
Royal George, as a flag ship, ahead, and firing was commen- 
ced from the 32 pounder. This was returned by the squad- 
ron, which stood off and on — and a brisk cannonading 
was reciprocally continued for more than two hours. All 
our guns were well manned and served, and it was plainly 
discovered, that the Royal George and Prince Regent were 
much injured. As the flag ship was wearing to give an- 
other broadside, a ball from the 32 pounder was seen to 
strike her and rake her completely ; after which the squad- 
ron fired a few guns, and bore away for Kingston. 



On the 31st of July, the Julia of 3 guns was fitted out at 
Sacket's harbour with orders to proceed to Ogdensburg. 
After entering the St. Lawrence, she was attacked by the 
Earl Moira of 18 guns, and the Duke of Gloucetter of 10 
guns. The action continued 3 hours and a half, during 
which time the Duke hauled up within half a mile of the 
Julia, and seemed preparing to board her, when two well 
directed shots from the Julia's 32 pounder forced her to 
abandon the idea. At 8 o'clock in the evening she weigh- 
ed anchor, and proceeded to Ogdensburg. 



In October 1812 Com. Chauncey took the command of 
the American fleet on this lake 



NAVAL MONUMENT. 265 

On the 7th of November, Com. Chauneey's squadron 
sailed from Sacket's harbour on a cruise ; on the 8th fell in 
with the Royal George, and chased her into the Bay of 
Quanti ; on the morning of the 9th, she was discovered 
lying in Kingston channel. Our vessels gave chase and 
pursued her into the harbour of Kingston, and fought her 
and the batteries for one hour and forty-five minutes. The 
Royal George being well protected and the wind blowing 
directly in, it was thought prudent to desist. American 
loss in this engagement was 1 killed and 3 wounded. On 
the 10th the enemy's schooner Governor Simcoe was chased 
into Kingston. She narrowly escaped under a heavy fire 
from the Governor Tompkins, the Hamilton, and the Julia, 
which cut her very much. The commodore returned on the 
12th. In this cruise our squadron captured 3 British trad- 
ing schooners, on board one of which was Capt. Brock, of 
the 49th British regiment, brother of the late Gen. Brock. 
An interesting private letter, describing the engagement at 
Kingston harbour, from an officer under Com. Chaunecy, 
concludes as follows : " Just as we were going into action, 

Lieut. W , taking a little packet out of his pocket, said 

to me, ' My good fellow, here is a cigar for you ; I heard 
you wish for one to day ; If I should be popped off, when 
you puff one of them, think of me :' The gift was a trifle, 
but the time, and the manner, and the circumstances, which 
accompanied it, and the great alterations, which a minute 
might produce, were all such as to excite sensations, which 
before I have never felt. I have a thousand similar anec- 
dotes to tell you, when we meet again. Throughout the 
action this officer was as cool, brave, and gallant as Nelson. 
Our sailors had no grog ; they want no stimulus of that 
kind ; they seem to have no fear of death. I was by the 
side of Garnet a few minutes before he fell. He was laugh- 
ing heartily, and in that act was cut in two by a nine pound 
shot. I afterwards saw his countenance ; it seemed as if 
the smile had not yet left it. This disaster only exasperated 

our seamen ; they prayed and entreated to be laid close 

36 



2G6 NAVAL MONUMENT. 

aboard the Royal George only five minutes, ' just to revenge 
Garnet's death.' When I look back upon the scene, I can- 
not but acknowledge that a kind Providence has kept us 
under his special care and protection." 



CAPTURE OF YORK. 

The American fleet left Sacket's harbour on the 25th of 
April 1813, for the purpose of conveying Gen. Dearborn, 
and the expedition under his command, against the British 
post at York, where the fleet arrived on the 27th. The ex- 
pedition was completely successful. The most important 
particulars relative to this event are given in the following 
extracts of a letter from Com. Chauncey to the secretary of 
the navy. 

United States ship Madison, at anchor off York, 
Sir, April 28, 1813. 

The debarcation commenced about eight o'clock A. M. 
and was completed about 10. The wind blowing heavy 
from the eastward, the boats fell to leeward of the position 
fixed upon, and were in consequence exposed to a galling 
fire from the enemy, who had taken a position in a thick 
wood near where the first troops landed ; however, the cool 
intrepidity of the officers and men overcame every obstacle. 
Their attack upon the enemy was so vigorous, that he fled 
in every direction, leaving a great many of his killed and 
wounded upon the field. As soon as the troops were land- 
ed I directed the schooner to take a position near the fort, 
in order that the attack upon them by the army and navy 
might be simultaneous. The schooners were obliged to 
beat up to their position, which they did in very handsome 
order under a heavy fire from the enemy's batteries, and, 
taking a position within six hundred yards of their princi- 
pal fort, opened a heavy cannonade upon the enemy, which 
did great execution, and very much contributed to their 
final reduction. 

The troops as soon as landed were formed under the im- 
mediate order of Brig. Gen. Pike, who led in a most gal- 



NAVAL MONUMENT 267 

lant manner the attack upon the forts, and after having 
carried two redoubts, in their approach to the principal 
work the enemy having previously laid a train, blew up his 
magazine, which in its effects upon our troops was dreadful, 
having killed and wounded a great many, and amongst the 
former, the ever to be lamented Brig. Gen. Pike, who fell 
at the head of his column by a contusion received by a 
heavy stone from the magazine. His death at this time is 
much to be regretted, as he had the perfect confidence of 
the major general ; and his known activity, zeal and expe- 
rience make his loss a national one. 

The enemy set fire to some of his principal stores, con- 
taining large quantities of naval and military stores, as well 
as a ship upon the stocks nearly finished. The only vessel 
found here is the Duke of Gloucester undergoing repairs — 
the Prince Regent left here on the 24th for Kingston. 

I have to regret the death of Midshipman Thompson and 
Hatfield, and several seamen killed — the exact number I do 
not know, as the returns from the different vessels have not 
yet been received. 

I cannot speak in too much praise of the cool intrepidity 
of the officers and men generally under my command, and 
I feel myself particularly indebted to the officers command- 
ing vessels, for their zeal in seconding all my views. 

I have the honour to be, &c. 

ISAAC CHAUNCEY. 

Hon. William Jones. 



List of killed and wounded on board Com. Chaunccifs squadron 
in the attack on York, Canada. 

Killed — John Hatfield, midshipman ; Benjamin Que 
reau, sailmaker ; Israel Clark, seaman ; Mr. Thompson, 
midshipman. 

Wounded — John Caulpbell, seaman, badly ; Richard 
Welsh, blackmail slightly ; David C. Burrill, seaman, slight- 
ly ; Benjamin Hacker, seaman, badly JohnRatler, do. do. 



368 NAVAL MONUMENT. 

Jno. Stimas, do. slightly ; John Patterson, do. badly ; Lem- 
uel Bryant, do. do. 

William Buckley was wounded in the attack on Fort 
George, (since dead ;) William Wills was also wounded. 



CAPTURE OF FORT GEORGE. 

Com. Chauncey, having returned to Sacket's harbour., 
sailed again on the 22d of May for Fort George. Our land 
and naval forces united captured this place on the 28th. 
Com. Chauncey's official account of this expedition con- 
cludes as follows : 

"Where all behaved so well, it is difficult to select any 
one for commendation ; yet in doing justice to Lieut. M' 
Pherson I do not detract from the merits of others. He 
was fortunate in placing himself in a situation, where he 
rendered very important services in covering the troops so 
completely, that their loss was trifling. 

Capt. Perry joined me from Erie on the evening of the 
25th, and very gallantly volunteered his services ; and 1 
have much pleasure in acknowledging the great assistance 
which I received from him in arranging and superintending 
the debarcation of the troops — he was present at every 
point where he could be useful, under showers of musketry, 
but fortunately escaped unhurt. We lost but 1 killed and 
2 wounded, and no injury done to the vessels." 



ATTACK ON SACKET'S HARBOUR. 

The British fleet, having on board 1200 men under Sir 
George Prevost, arrived off Sacket's harbour on the 29th 
of May. At this time the American squadron were cruising 
in a distant part of the lake. On the 29th, the enemy made 
a bold attack, but were completely repulsed by the troops 
under the command of Gen. Brown, with the loss of about 
200, in killed and wounded. Among the former were an 
adjutant general, two majors, several captains, &c. The 



NAVAL MONUMENT. 269 

American loss was about 150 killed and wounded. Among 
the killed were two excellent officers, Col. i Mills and Col. 
Backus. On the evening preceding the attack the British 
captured 12 of our barges. 

The officers left in charge of this station, unfortunately set 
fire to the naval store-houses, hospital, and marine barracks, 
by which the valuable stores taken at York, and the stores 
for the use of our fleet, were consumed. Soon after this af- 
fair, Com. Chauncey returned to Sacket's harbour. 



On the 16th of June, Lieut. Wolcott Chauncey, with the 
Lady of the Lake^feW in with and captured the schooner La- 
dy Murray, from Kingston, bound to York, with an ensign 
(Geo. Charles Merce) and 15 non-commissioned officers and 
privates, belonging to the 41st and 104th regiments, loaded 
with provisions, powder, shot, and fixed ammunition. 



On the 17th of July a small expedition, aided by 40 sol- 
diers, lent to Com. Chauncey by Gen. Lewis, sailed from 
Sacket's harbour on board two small row-boats, with a' 16 
pounder in each, to the head of the St. Lawrence where 
they captured a fine gun-boat, mounting a 24 pounder 14 bat- 
teaux loaded, 4 officers and 61 men. 



The American fleet arrived at York on the 31st of July. 
Com. Chauncey's official account of their proceedings con- 
cludes as follows: " We run the schooner, into the upper 
harbour, landed the marines and soldiers under the command 
of Col. Scott, without opposition, found several hundred 
barrels of flour and provisions in the public store-house, five 
pieces of cannon, eleven boats, and a quantity of shot, shells, 
and other stores, all which were either destroyed or brought 
away. On the 1st of August just after receiving on board all 
the vessels could take, I ordered the barracks and the pub- 
lic store-house to be burnt." 



210 NAVAL MONUMENT. 

LOSS OF THE HAMILTON AND SCOURGE. 

On the 7th of August the British fleet appeared off Sack- 
et's harbour. Com. Chauncey immediately set sail with 
his squadron, and made every exertion to bring the enemy 
to action. The British however declined an engagement. 
The principal occurrences during this cruise are related in 
the following extracts from commodore's official account: 
" On the 8th, at 2 A. M. missed two of our schooners ; at 
day-light discovered the missing schooners to be the Hamil- 
ton and Scourge. Soon after spoke the Governor Tompkins, 
who informedjthat the Hamilton and Scourge both overset and 
sunk in a heavy squall, about 2 o'clock, and, distressing to 
relate, every soul perished except sixteen. This fatal acci- 
dent deprived me at once of the services of two valuable offi- 
cers, Lieut. Winter and Sailing Master Osgood, and two of 
my best schooners, mounting together 19 guns. 

" On the 9th, about half past 10, the enemy tacked and 
stood after us. At 11, the rear of our line opened his fire 
upon the enemy ; in about 15 minutes the fire became gen- 
eral from the weather line, which was returned from the 
enemy. At half past 11, the weather line bore up and pas- 
sed to the leeward, except the Groicler and Julia, which soon 
after tacked to the southward, which brought the enemy 
between them and me. Filled the main top-sail and edged 
away two points to lead the enemy down, not only to en- 
gage him to more advantage, but to lead him from the 
Growler and Julia. He, however, kept his wind until he 
completely separated those two vessels from the rest of the 
squadron, exchanged a few shot with this ship (the General 
Pike) as he passed, without injury to us, and made sail after 
our two schooners. Tacked and stood after him. At 12 
(midnight) finding that I must either separate from the rest 
of the squadron, or relinquished the hope of saving the two 
which had separated, I reluctantly gave up the pursuit. 
The firing was continued between our 2 schooners and the 
enemy's fleet until about 1 A. M. when, I presume, they 
were obliged to surrender to a force so much their superi- 
our." 



NAVAL MONUMENT. 27 1 

Extract of a letter from Com. Isaac Chauncey to the Secretary of 

the navy. 

On board the U. S. ship Gen. Pike, off Duck Island, 
Sir, Sept. 13, 1813. 

On the 7th, at day light, the enemy's fleet was discovered 
close in with Niagara river, wind from the southward. 
Made the signal, and weighed with the fleet (prepared for 
action) and stood out of the river after him ; he immediate- 
ly made all sail to the northward. We made sail in chase 
with our heavy schooners in tow, and have continued the 
chase all round the lake night and day, until yesterday mor- 
ning when she^succeeded in getting into Amherst Bay, which 
is so little known to our pilots, and said to be full of shoals, 
that they'are not willing to take me in there. I shall how- 
ever (unless driven from my station by a gale of wind) en- 
deavour to watch him so close as to prevent his getting out 
upon the lake. 

During our long chase we frequently got within from one 
to two miles of the enemy, but our heavy sailing schooners 
prevented our closing with him, until the 11th, off Gennes- 
see river, we carried a breeze with us while he lay becalmed 
to within about three quarters of mile of him, when he took 
the breeze and we had a running fight of three and a half 
hours, but by his superiour sailing he escaped me and run 
into Amherst Bay yesterday morning. In the course of our 
chase on the 11th, I got several broadsides frtm this ship 
upon the enemy, which must have done him considerable 
injury, as many of the shot were seen to strike him, and 
people were observed over the sides plugging shot holes. 
A few shot struck our hull, and a little rigging was cut, but 
nothing of importance — not a man was hurt. 

I was much disappointed that Sir James refused to fight 
me, as he was so much superiour in point of force both in 
guns and men — having upwards of 20 guns more than we 
have, and having a greater weight of shot. 

This ship, the Madison, and the Sylph have each a schoo- 
ner constantly in tow, yet the others cannot sail as fast as 



272 NAVAL MONUMENT. 

the enemy squadron, which gave him decidedly the advan- 
tage, and puts it in his power to engage me when and how 
he chooses. 

I have the honour to be, &c. 
Hon. William Jones, ISAAC CHAUNCEY. 

Secr^y of the navy. 

The British squadron was blockaded four days in Am- 
herst Bay, when, by the aid of a heavy wind from the west- 
ward, they escaped and succeeded in getting into Kingston. 

Com. Chauncey, having ascertained that the British 
squadron was in York Bay, sailed from Niagara on the 27th 
of September. The most important events of this cruise 
are related in the following extracts from the commodore's 
official letter : 

" On the 28th, at 10 minutes past meridian, the enemy, 
finding that we were closing fast with him, and that he must 
either risk an action, or suffer his two rear vessels to be cut 
off, tacked in succession, beginning at the van, hoisted his 
colours and commenced a well directed fire at this ship, for 
the purpose of covering his rear, and attacking our rear as 
he passed to the leeward. Perceiving his intention, I was 
determined to disappoint him ; therefore as soon as the Wolf 
(the leading ship) passed the centre of his line, and abeam of 
us, I bore up in succession (preserving our line) for the ene- 
my's centre. This manoeuvre not only covered our rear, 
but hove him into confusion ; he immediately bore away ; 
we had however closed so near as to bring our guns to bear 
with effect, and in 20 minutes the main andmizzen top-mast 
and main yard ofthe Wolf were shot away. He immediately 
put before the wind, and set all sail upon his fore-mast. I 
made the signal for the fleet to make all sail ; the enemy, 
however, keeping dead before the wind, was able to outsail 
most of our squadron. I continued the chase until near 3 
o'clock, during which time I was enabled in this ship (the 
General Pike) with the Jlsp in tow, to keep within point 
blank shot of the enemy, and sustained the whole of his fire 
during the chase. 



NAVAL MONUMENT. 273 

"At 15 minutes before 3 o'clock A. M. I very reluctantly 
relinquished the pursuit of a beaten enemy. The reasons 
that led to this determination, were such as I flatter myself 
you will approve. 

"The loss sustained by this ship was considerable, owing to 
her being so long exposed to the fire of the whole of the en- 
emy's fleet ; but our most serious loss was occasioned by the 
bursting of one of our guns, which killed and wounded 22 
men, and tore up the top-gallant forecastle, which rendered 
the gun upon that deck useless. We had 4 other guns crack- 
ed in the muzzle, which rendered their use extremely doubt- 
ful. Our main top-gallant mast was shot away in the early 
part of the action, and the bowsprit, fore and main mast 
wounded, rigging and sails much cut up, and a number of 
shot in our hull, several of which were between wind and 
water, and 27 men killed and wounded, including those by 
the bursting of the gun. We have repaired nearly all our 
damages and are ready to meet the enemy. During our 
chase one, if not two, of the enemy's small vessels were com- 
pletely in our power, if I could have been satisfied with so 
partial victory, but I was so sure of the whole, that I passed 
them unnoticed, by which means they finally escaped." In 
this letter mention is made of the conduct of Capt. Crane, 
Lieut. Brown, Lieut. Finch, Capt. Woolsey and Capt. Sin- 
clair. 



CAPTURE OF THE HAMILTON AND CONFIANCE. 

Letter from Com. Chauncey to the Secr\j of the navy. 

U. S. skip Gen. Pike, SackeFs harbour, 
Sir, Oct. 6, 1813. 

I have the pleasure to inform you, that I arrived here 
this morning, with 5 of the enemy's vessels, which I fell in 
with and captured last evening, off the Ducks. They were 
part of a fleet of seven sail, which left York on Sunday with 
234 troops on board, bound to Kingston. Of this fleet five 
were captured, one burnt, and one escaped ; the prisoners 

37 



274 NAVAL MONUMENT. 

amounting to nearly 300, besides having upwards of 300 
of our troops on board from Niagara, induced me to run 
into port for the purpose of landing both. 

I have the additional pleasure of informing you, that 
amongst the captured vessels are the Hamilton and Confiance, 
late U. S. schooners Julia and Growler ;* the others are gun 
vessels. I have the honour to be, &c. 

ISAAC CHAUNCEY. 



LETTER FROM COWL. CHAUNCEY TO THE SECY OF THE 

NAVY. 

Sir, Socket's harbour, May 1, 1814. 

I am happy to have it in my power to inform you, that 
the United States ship Superiour was launched this morning 
without accident. The Superiour is an uncommonly beau- 
tiful and well built ship, something larger than the Pres- 
ident, and could mount 64 guns, if it was thought advisable 
to put as many upon her. This ship has been built in the 
short space of 80 days, aud when it is taken into view, that 
two brigs of 500 tons each have also been built, rigged, and 
completely fitted for service since the first of February, it 
will be acknowledged that the mechanics employed on this 
station have done their duty. 

I have the honour to be, &c 

ISAAC CHAUNCEY. 

ATTACK ON OSWEGO. 

On the 5th of May a British force appeared off Oswego 
from Kingston, consisting of 3 ships, 2 brigs, 2 schooners and 
a number of gun-boats, commanded by Com. Yeo. They 
were twice repulsed in attempts to land. On the 6th they 
succeeded in capturing the place with a considerable quan- 
tity of military stores. They evacuated the place on the 8th, 
after having set fire to the barracks. 
*See page 270. 



NAVAL MONUMENT. 'W& 275 

LETTER FROM COM. CHAUNCEY TO THE SECY OF THE 

NAVY. 

Sir, Sachet's harbour, May 11, 1814. 

The enemy has paid dearly for the little booty which he 
obtained at Oswego. From the best information which I 
can collect, both from deserters and my agents, the enemy 
lost 70 men killed, and 165 wounded, drowning, and mis- 
sing — in all, 231 ; nearly as many as were opposed to them. 
Capt. Mulcaster is certainly mortally wounded ; a captain 
of marines killed, and a number of other officers killed and 
wounded. I have the honour &c. 

ISAAC CHAUNCEY. 



CAPTURE OF THE GUN-BOATS AT SANDY CREEK. 

Eighteen boats, under the command of Capt. Woolsey, 
from Oswego for Sacket's harbour, loaded with guns and 
naval stores put into Sandy Creek on the 29th of May. 
Capt Woolsey, apprehending an attack, placed a number of 
riflemen and Indians (under the command of Maj. Appling) 
in the woods on each side of the creek, and sent a few raw 
militia, with a show of opposing the enemy's landing. The 
militia retreated on the first fire, pursued by the enemy ; 
but as soon as they had passed the Indians and riflemen, 
who were in ambush, these last attacked them in the rear, 
while a battery of 4 field pieces opened upon them in front. 
Thus cut off in their retreat, the whole force of the enemy, 
137 in number, surrendered, with their gun-boats, 5 in num- 
ber, after a smart action of 20 minutes, in which they lost 20 
killed and 40 or 50 wounded. 

Among the enemy's killed were 1 lieutenant of marines, 
and 1 midshipman ; among the prisoners were 2 post 
captains, Popham and Spelsburg, one the commander of 
the Wolf, 4 lieutenants, and 4 midshipmen. 



On the 19th of June, Lieut. Gregory, with a small force 
surprised and captured, on the St. Lawrence, a gun-boat, 



276 NAVAL MONUMENT. 

(the Black Snake, or No. 9) mounting one 18 pounder, and 
manned with 18 men, chiefly royal marines. Being discov- 
ered and pursued by the enemy, Lieut. Gregory, after ta- 
king out the prisoners, scuttled the prize and arrived at Sack- 
et's harbour the next morning with his prisoners. In Com. 
Chauncey's official letter, honourable notice is taken of 
Lieut. Gregory, Sailing Master Vaughan, and Mr. Dixon. 



EXTRACT OF A LETTER FROM COMMODORE CHAUNCEY 

TO THE SECRETARY OF THE NAVY. 
United States Ship Supcriour, Sackefs harbour, 
Sir, July 7, 1814. 

I am happy that I have it in my power to detail to you 
another brilliant achievement of Lieut. Gregory with his 
brave companions. 

On the 29th ult. I directed Lieut. Gregory to take with 
him Messrs. Vaughan and Dixon — proceed with the two 
largest gigs to Nicholas Island, (within about seven miles 
of Presque Isle harbour) and there conceal his boats and 
wait for some transports there to take up provisions and 
munitions of war, which had been sent up the Bay of Quinte 
for the troops at York and Fort George, but if these trans- 
ports did not make their appearance in three or four days, 
then to proceed to Presque Isle, and burn a vessel on the 
stocks ; but with positive orders not to injure a private buil- 
ding or any private property. The day after Lieut. Greg- 
ory arrived on the coast he discovered a vessel beating up, 
but just as he shoved off to board her, a large gun-boat have 
in sight a little below him. This boat made a signal to the 
vessel in the offing, upon which she tacked and stood for the 
gun-boat. Lieut. Gregory secreted his boats as well as he 
could, but was apprehensive that he had been discovered. 
The gun-boat and her convoy (which was full of troops) 
stood into Presque Isle. Lieut. Gregory was determined to 
ascertain whether he had been discovered — accordingly he 
sent one of his boats in the next night and took off one of 
the inhabitants who informed him, that it was knowu that 
he was on the coast, and that two expresses had been sent to 



NAVAL MONUMENT. 277 

Kingston in consequence. He therefore determined upon 
executing the latter part of his instructions, and made his 
arrangements accordingly ; landed, placed sentinels at the 
house to prevent alarm, and set fire to the vessel, which 
was nearly ready to launch ; she was a stout, well built vessel, 
to mount 14 guns, and would probably have been launched 
in about ten days. A small store-house, which contained 
stores for the vessel, was unavoidably burnt, as it was so 
near the vessel that it took fire from her. The few militia, 
which had been left to guard the vessel and property, retrea- 
ted upon the approach of our boats. As soon as the vessel 
was entirely consumed, Lieut. Gregory re-embarked his men, 
without having permitted one of them to enter a house. 
Finding the alarm so general he thought prudent to cross 
the lake immediately: he stopped one day at Oswego for 
refreshment, and arrived here last evening, having perform- 
ed a most difficult service with his usual gallantry and good 
conduct. 

Lieut. Gregory speaks in the highest terms of commenda- 
tion of Sailing Master Vaughan and Mr. Dixon, as well as 
the men under his command, for their patient endurance of 
hunger and fatigue aud the zeal with which they performed 
every part of their duty. 

I think in justice to these brave men, that they ought to 
be allowed something for the destruction of this vessel — they 
have, however, every confidence in the justice and liberali- 
ty of the government, and submit their case most cheerfully 
to its decision. I have the honour to be, &c. 
Hon. William Jones, ISAAC CHAUNCEY. 



EXTRACT OF A LETTER FROM COMMODORE CHAUNCEY 
TO THE SECR'Y OF THE NAVY. 

United States Ship Superiour, off Kingston, 
Sir, August 10, 1814. 

Great anxiety of mind and severe bodily exertions have 
at length broken down the best constitution^ and subjected 
me to a violent fever, that confined me for eighteen days. 



278 NAVAL MONUMENT. 

This misfortune was no more to be foreseen than prevented, 
but was particularly severe at the moment it happened, as it 
induced a delay of five or six days in the sailing of the fleet. 

In the afternoon on the 31st of July, I was taken on board, 
but it was calm, and I did not sail before the next morning. 
To satisfy once whatever expectations the public had been 
led to entertain of the sufficiency of this squadron to take 
and maintain the ascendancy on this lake, and at the same 
time to expose the futility of promise, the fulfilment of which 
had been rested on our appearance at the head of the lake, 
I got under way at 4 o'clock in the morning of the 1st inst. 
and steered for the mouth of the Niagara. Owing to light 
winds, I did not arrive off there before the 5th. There we 
intercepted one of the enemy's brigsrunning over from York 
to Niagara with troops, and run her on shore about six 
miles to the westward of Fort George. I ordered the Sylph 
in, to anchor as near to the enemy as he could with safety, 
and to destroy her. Capt. Elliott ran in, in a very gallant 
manner, to within from 300 to 500 yards of her, and was 
about anchoring when the enemy set fire to her and she soon 
after blew up. This vessel was a schooner the last year, 
and called the Beresford — since they altered her to a brig they 
changed her name, and I have not been able to ascertain it. 
She mounted 14 guns, twelve 241b. carronades and two 
long 9 pounders. 

My anxiety to return to this end of the lake was increas- 
ed by the knowledge I had of the weakness of Sacket's har- 
bour, and the apprehension that the enemy might receive 
large reinforcements at Kingston, and, embarking some of 
the troops on board his fleet, make a dash at the Harbour 
and burn it with all my stores during our absence. When 
I left the Harbour there were but about 700 regular troops 
fit for duty. It is true a few militia had been called in, but 
little could be expected of them, should an attack be made. 
My apprehension, it seems, was groundless, the enemy hav- 
ing contented himself with annoying in some trifling degree 
the coasters between Oswego and the Harbour in his boats. 



NAVAL MONUMENT. 279 

I cannot forbear expressing the regret I feel that so much 
sensation has been excited in the public mind, because this 
squadron did not sail so soon as the wise heads, that conduct 
our newspapers, have presumed to think it ought. I need 
not suggest to one of your experience, that a man-of-w a r 
may appear to the eye of a landsman perfectly ready for sea, 
when she is deficient in many of the most essential joints of 
her armament, nor how unworthy I should have proved 
myself of the high trust reposed in me, had I ventured to 
sea in the face of an enemy of equal force, without being 
ready to meet him in one hour after my anchor was weighed. 

It ought in justice to be recollected, that the building 
and equipment of vessels on the Atlantic are unattended by 
any of the great difficulties which we have to encounter on 
this lake — there every department abounds with facilities ; 
a commander makes a requisition, and articles of every de- 
scription are furnished in twelve hours ; but this fleet has 
been built and fitted in the wilderness, where there are no 
agents and chandler's shops and founderies, &c. &c. to sup- 
ply our wants, but every thing is to be created ; and yet I 
shall not decline a comparison of what has been done here, 
with anything done on the Atlantic, in the building or 
equipment of vessels. The Guerriere, for instance, has been 
building and fitting upwards of twelve months in the city 
of Philadelphia, and is not now ready. The President fri- 
gate went into the navy yard at New York for some partial 
repairs, a few days after the keel of the Superior was laid : 
since then two frigates of a large class, and two sloops of 
the largest class, have been built and fitted here, and have 
sailed before the President is ready for sea, although everv 
article of their armament and rigging has been transported 
from New York in despite of obstacles almost insurmount- 
able. I will go farther, sir/for it is due to the unremitted 
and unsurpassed exertions of those who have served the 
public under my command, and will challenge the world 
to produce a parallel instance, in which the same number of 
vessels of such dimensions have been built and fitted in 
the same time by the same number of workmen. 



380 NAVAL MONUMENT. 

I confess that I am mortified in not having succeeded in 
satisfying the expectations of the public ; but it would be 
infinitely more painful, could I find any want of zeal or ex- 
ertion'in my endeavors to serve them, to which I could in 
any degree impute their disappointment. 

I have the honour to be, sir, with 

the utmost respect, your most obed't 

and very humble servant, 
Hon. William Jones. ISAAC CHAUNCEY. 

Secr^y of the navy. 



Letter from Com. Chauncey to the Secretary oj the navy. 

United States Ship Superiour off the Ducks, 
Sir, October 2, 1814, 

Having a very commanding breeze yesterday, I sent the 
Lady of the Lake into Kingston to reconnitre. She stood 
close in with the forts and shipping, keeping just within the 
range of their shot, and had a fair view. The ships lay in 
the same position as on the 29th ult. and the large ship still 
without her sails bent — no visible preparations to embark 
troops. I shall watch them in this position as long as pos- 
sible without endangering the fleet. 

I have the honour &c 

ISAAC CHAUNCEY. 



TESTIMONIES OF RESPECT. 

On Saturday, Sept. 5, 1812, in pursuance to previous ar- 
rangements, a public entertainment at Faneuil Hall was giv- 
en to Capt. Hull, in celebration of the achievement of the 
Constitution frigate in the destruction of the British frigate 
Guerriere. An unusual assembly of the citizens, amounting 
to nearly six hundred, without distinction of party, were 
present on the occasion. Among the distinguished guests, 
were the officers of Com. Rodgers's squadron [the commo- 
dore was too much indisposed to attend]. Brig. Gen. Boyd 
and staff, Judge Benson of N. York, and many gentlemen 
from the southward. 






NAVAL MONUMENT 281 

At an early hour in the morning,"; State-street, and the 
way in continuation quite clown to the end of Long wharf, 
off which the squadron was lying at anchor, was beautifully 
decorated by a display of flags, from the tops and windows 
of the buildings on both sides, and from the masts of vessels. 
At 3 o'clock the procession was formed at the Exchange 
Coffee House, and went from thence, preceded by an excel- 
lent band of music, to the hall of entertainment. The Hon. 
John C. Jones, president of the day, with Capt. Hull on his 
right, and immediately followed by 6 vice-presidents, formed 
the head of the procession on its way to the hall. The con- 
course of citizens in the streets, through which the procession 
moved, notwithstanding the unpleasant wetness of the day 
was larger than known on almost any other occasion. They 
gave three cheers as the procession passed down State Street. 
The decorations of the hall which were conducted by Col. 
Henry Sargeant, were in the highest degree brilliant and ap- 
propriate. All the arrangements of the day were splendid and 
elegant, and such as did great credit to the committees by 
whom they were superintended. So large and respectable 
a convention of citizens of different political sentiments 
having mingled together indiscriminately in celebration of 
an achievement so honourable to their country, was indeed 
a most interesting spectacle ; and in the highest degree hon- 
ourable to the town of Boston. 

The citizens of Philadelphia presented to Capt. Hull a large 
and elegant piece of plate, on which was the following in- 
scription : The citizens of Philadelphia, at a meeting conven- 
ed on the v of Sept. mdcccxii, voted this urn, to be presented in 
their name to Captain Isaac Hull, commander of the United 
States frigate Constitution, as a testimony of their sense of his dis- 
tinguished gallantry and conduct in bringing to action and subdu- 
ing the British frigate Guerriere, on the xix day of August, 
mdcccxii, and of the eminent servicehe has rendered to his coun- 
try, by achieving, in the first naval conflict of the war, a most sig- 
nal and decisive victory over a foe, that had, till then, challenged 
an unrivalled superiority on the ocean, and thus establishing the 

38 



282 NAVAL MONUMENT. 

claim of our navy to the affection and confidence oj the nation , 

Engraved by W. Hooker. 

They also gave a handsome piece of plate to C. Morris, 
lieutenant. 

The national legislature voted $50,000 and their thanks 
to Capt. Hull, officers and crew ; also, to Capt. Hull a gold 
medal, and to each of the officers silver medals, with appro- 
priate devices. 

The order of Cincinnati admitted Capt. Hull an honoura- 
ry member of their society. 

The legislatures of New York and Massachusetts voted 
their thanks to Capt. Hull, officers and crew. 

The common council of the city of New-York gave a pub- 
lic dinner, and the freedom of the city, in a gold box, to 
Capt. Hull ; and their thanks to the officers and crew. The 
citizens of New York also gave a public dinner to Capt 
Hull. 

The councils of Albany voted the freedom of the city to 
Capt. Hull, and thanks to officers and crew. 

The councils of Savannah voted their thanks to Capt. 
Hull, officers and crew. 

The citizens of Charleston S. C. presented to Capt. Hull 
a handsome piece of plate. 

The citizens of Portland presented to Lieut. Wadsworth, 
a native of that place, a handsome sword with suitable de- 
vices, in testimony of their high sense of his gallantry in the 
action with the Guerriere. 

The legislature of Virginia presented to Lieut. Morgan 
and Midshipman Tayloe, natives of that state, a valuable 
sword each, in honour of their valour in the same action. 



Congress voted $25,000 and their thanks to Capt. Jacob 
Jones, officers and crew of the Wasp, also a gold medal to 
Capt. Jones, and silver medals to each of the officers, in 
testimony of their high sense of the gallantry displayed by 
them in the capture of the British sloop Frolic. 



NAVAL MONUMENT. 283 

The legislature of Delaware presented to Capt. Jones, a 
native of that state, a rich piece of plate, in testimony of 
their gratitude for his services in the cause of his country. 
The plate was designed and executed by Fletcher and Gardi- 
ner of Philadelphia, and cost $500. , 

The citizens of Philadelphia gave a sword, an elegant sil- 
ver urn, and a public dinner to Capt. Jones, and a sword to 
each of the lieutenants. 

The legislature of Pennsylvania gave a handsome sword 
to Lieut. Biddle. 

The common council of New York gave an elegant sword 
and the freedom of the city to Capt. Jones, and also a public 
dinner and thanks to the officers and crew — The citizens of 
New York also gave a public dinner. 

The order of Cincinnati at New York admitted Capt. Jones 

as a member. 

The legislatures of New York and Massachusetts, and the 

councils of Savannah voted their thanks to Capt. Jones, 

officers and crew. 



The national legislature voted their thanks to Com. De- 
catur, officers and crew of the frigate United States, also a 
gold medal to Com. Decatur, and silver medals to each of 
the officers, in honour of the brilliant victory gained by the 
frigate United States over the British frigate Macedonian. 

The legislatures of New York, Pennsylvania, and Massa- 
chusetts, and the councils of New London and Savannah 
voted their thanks to Com. Decatur, officers and crew. 

A splendid ball and entertainment were given to Com. 
Decatur and officers on their arrival at New London. 

The common council of New York voted a public dinner 
and the freedom of the city in a gold box to Com. Decatur, 
that his portrait be procured and set up in the gallery of 
portraits belonging to the city, and that thanks be given to 
the commodore, officers and crew. 

A ball was given to Com. Decatur at the City Hotel, Niew 
York, on the 2d of Januarv 1813. The decorations of the 



284 NAVAL MONUMENT. 

hall surpassed any thing of the kind ever before witnessed 
in this country. 

On the 7th of January 1813, in pursuance to arrangements 
made by the corporation of the city of New York, a dinner 
was given at the City Hotel, to the crew of the frigate Unit- 
ed States, who had so nobly supported the character of Amer- 
ican seamen in the late engagement with the British frigate 
Macedonian. The assembly room was decorated precisely 
in the same style as at the previous naval entertainment, 
with this difference, that the reservoir in which floated the 
miniature frigate, instead of containing water, was filled 
with grog. 

The crew were landed at New Slip precisely at 2 o'clock, 
and marched in good order to the City Hotel, through 
Pearlstreet, Wall-street, and Broadway, preceded by a band 
of music, amid the loud and reiterated huzzas of their fel- 
low citizens. 

On their arrival at the hotel, they were ushered into the 
room by the committee of the corporation, and took their 
seats with perfect regularity at the call of the boatswain's 
whistle, whilst the band struck up the inspiring tune of Yan- 
kee Doodle. After which a handsome address was deliver- 
ed by Alderman Vanderbilt. To which the boatswain re- 
plied nearly in the following words : 

" In behalf of my shipmates, I return our sincere thanks 
to the corporation of the city of New York, for the honour 
which they have this day done us. Rest assured,that it will be 
always our wish to deserve the good opinion of our coun- 
trymen." 

When the boatswain had finished this reply, his shipmates, 
in token of their approbation, made the room ring with three 
hearty cheers. 

At this moment the transparent paintings, exhibiting our 
three glorious naval victories, were suddenly displayed by 
the dropping of the canvas, which before had concealed 
them. It is impossible for pen to describe the effect which 
jt had upon the minds of the astonished sailors : their admi- 



NAVAL MONUMENT. 285 

ration was expressed by repeated huzzas, and enthusiastic 
acclamations. Silence was in a few minutes restored by the 
boatswain's whistle, when the whole crew, to the number of 
400 and upwards, commenced their attack upon an excellent 
dinner, which was soon demolished, and in such a manner 
as left no room to doubt, " that thexj could have done much more y 
if more had been required.'''' 

After dinner the boatswain piped for silence, when the 
president gave the following toast : 

" Jlmcricans ships all over the ocean." 
Com. Decatur and his first lieutenant, Mr. Allen, shortly 
after entered the room, and were received by the seamen in 
a manner that evinced the affection and delight with which 
they beheld their brave commander. After remaining a 
few minutes, the commodore gave as a toast, 
" Free trade and no impressment.'''' 
After the commodore retired, a variety of volunteer toasts 
were given by different seamen, in true nautical style, and 
at 6 o'clock the company, obedient to the boatswain's call, 
adjourned to the theatre, without having been guilty of un- 
seaman-like conduct, or a single excess, and perfectly satis- 
fied with the attention that had been shown them. 

The jolly tars marched in regular procession to the thea- 
tre, in compliance with an invitation from the managers. 
The front of the theatre was illuminated, and exhibited a 
transparency of the engagement between the United States 
and Macedonian. The house was more crowded than was 
ever before known. The pit was entirely occupied by the 
gallant crew of the frigate United States, who behaved 
through the evening with the utmost decorum. 

The citizens of New York and Philadelphia gave a pub- 
lic dinner to the commander and officers of the frigate 
United States. 

The citizens of Philadelphia presented to Com. Decatur 
a sword of solid gold, 36 inches in length, and weighing 
21 oz. 10 pwts. it cost $700. 

The legislature of Virginia presented swords to Com. 
Decatur, Lieut. W. H. Allen, and Lieut. J. B. Nicholson. . 



286 NAVAL MONUMENT. 

The United States frigate Constitution, Com. Bainbridge, 
after the destruction of the British frigate Java, arrived at 
Boston on the 18th of February 1813. On the following 
Thursday at 12 o'clock, Com. Bainbridge landed at the long 
wharf from the frigate Constitution, amidst acclamations, 
and roaring of cannon from the shore. All the way from 
the end of the pier to the Exchange Coffee House was de- 
corated with colours and streamers. In State-street they 
were strung across from the opposite buildings, while the 
windows and balconies of the houses were filled with ladies, 
and the tops of the houses were covered with spectators, 
and an immense crowd filled the streets, so as to render it 
difficult for the military escort to march. The commodore 
was distinguished by his noble figure, and his walking un- 
covered. On his right hand was the veteran, Com. Rod- 
gers, and on his left, Brig. Gen. Welles ; then followed the 
brave Capt. Hull, Col. Blake, and a number of officers and 
citizens ; but the crowd was so immense that it was difficult 
to keep the order of procession. The band of music in the 
balcony of the State Bank, and the music of the New-Eng- 
land Guards had a fine effect. 

DINNER IN HONOUR OF COMMODORE BAINBRIDGE. 

On the 2d of March a splendid public dinner was given 
in the Exchange Coffee House, Boston, to Com. Bainbridge 
and the officers of the United States frigate Constitution, for 
their gallant achievement in the capture of the British first- 
rate frigate Java ; — to which Com. Rodgers, Capts. Hull 
and Smith, and the officers of the squadron then in port 
were invited. The procession was formed in Fanueil Hall, 
by Maj. Tilden, and was escorted, amidst the applauses of 
the citizens, to the Coffee House, by a battalion, composed 
of the Boston Light Infantry and the Winslow Blues, com- 
manded by Col. Sargeant. The hall was completely filled. 
The Hon. Christopher Gore presided. The Hon. Harri- 
son G. Otis, Hon. Israel Thorndikc, Arnold Welles Esq. 
Thomas L. Winthrop Esq. Hon. Peter C. Brooks, and Wil- 
liam Sullivan Esq. assisted as Vice Presidents. 



NAVAL MONUMENT. 281 

The entertainment was sumptuous, and the style in which 
it was got up did credit to Mr. Jones, who provided it. 

Before sitting down to table the blessing of Almighty 
God was asked in a most impressive manner by the Rev. 
Mr. Holley. 

After thanks were returned, the Hon. Mr. Gore address- 
ed the gentlemen preient on the occasion in a very elegant 
and impressive manner. Seepage 22. 



Monday the 8th of March was appointed by the city 
council of Charleston S. C. as a clay of general festival and 
joy in honour of our splendid naval victories. It was us- 
hered in by the ringing of bells, firing of cannon &c: all 
business was suspended. At 3 o'clock a grand procession 
was formed. Banners, exhibiting the names of our most 
eminent statesmen and naval officers were borne by the most 
distinguished citizens. About 600 sat down to a splendid 
entertainment. The room was suitably decorated for the 
occasion. Back of the president's chair was a colossal 
bust of Washington, decorated with flags ; and festoons of 
stars and stripes connected the pillars that support the ceil- 
ing. At the bottom of the hall was a transparency, on 
which was inscribed, " the defenders of the Constitution" — 
" Bain." the remainder was supplied by the representation 
of a bridge, at the end of which was represented the Hull 
of a ship. Directly under the transparency was an elegant 
painting, from the pencil of JohnB. White Esquire. 

In the evening the city was illuminated. Many of the 
houses were adorned with beautiful transparencies. 

The congress of the United States voted $50,000 and 
their thanks to Com. Bainbridge, officers and crew — also a 
gold medal to Com. Bainbridge, and silver medals to each 
of the officers of the Constitution, with suitable devices. 

The corporation of the city of New York bestowed upon 
Com. Bainbridge the freedom of the city, accompanied 
with a gold box. 

The citizens of Philadelphia subscribed an elegant piece 
of plate to Com. Bainbridge. 



288 NAVAL MONUMENT. 

The legislatures of New York and Massachusetts voted 
their thanks to Com. Bainbridge, officers and crew. The 
resolve of the legislature of Massachusetts was as follows : 
" That Commodores Bainbridge and Decatur, Captains 
Hull and Jones of the U. S. navy, their officers and crews, 
in the splendid victories by them obtained over the British 
ships of war, the Java, Macedonian, Guerriere, and Frolic, 
and in their generous conduct to their captured enemies, 
have acquired for themselves a distinguished title to that 
consideration and applause of their fellow citizens, which 
is due to an heroic and able discharge of duty, and which 
is the legitimate reward of the brave man, who devotes his 
life to the services of his country." 

The crew of the Constitution frigate were treated with a 
theatrical entertainment on the evening of the 9th of April. 
The brave fellows enjoyed it with great glee. They march- 
ed to the theatre in regular order, and returned in the same 
manner to the ship, as their chosen home. They behaved 
with great decency and decorum. The stage box was fill- 
ed with the navy officers, Rodger s, Bainbridge, Smith, and 
their lieutenants. Com. Bainbridge addressed the crew, 
previous to their leaving the ship, in the following terms. 

" Sailors, in the action with the Java you have shown 
yourselves men. You are this evening invited to partake of 
the amusements of the theatre ; conduct yourselves well. 
Suffer me not to experience any mortification from any dis- 
orderly conduct on your part. Let the correctness of your 
conduct equal your bravery, and I shall have additional 
cause to speak of you in terms of approbation." 

The honest tars replied — 

" Commodore, we will put out of the pit the first man 
that misbehaves." 

The pit was never more orderly than when it was filled 
with the sailors and marines of the Constitution. The neat- 
ness of their dress, (blue jackets, scarlet waistcoats, new- 
neck-handkerchiefs, and glazed hats) was a pleasing sight. 
The marines were extremely neat, and conducted them- 



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NAVAL MONUMENT. 289 

selves with the silence and composure of officers. Our cit- 
izens saw with delight, what discipline and self-respect could 
produce upon the hardy sons of the ocean. 

At Portland a public dinner was given to Com. Bainbridge. 

The citizens of Georgetown, Col. gave a public enter- 
tainment to Com. Bainbridge. Among the guests were GapU 
Morris, and Lieutenants M'Call and Forrest. 

Com. Bainbridge was received at Philadelphia with a mil- 
itary escort amidst the ac clamations of the citizens. 

In April our naval victories were splendidly celebrated at 
the city of Washington. Upwards of 200 gentlemen of the 
first distinction partook of an elegant entertainment, at 
which a number of patriotic toasts were drank, accompani- 
ed by music and discharge of artillery. 

The congress of the United States passed a resolution, 
"That the president be requested to present to the nearest 
male relative of Capt. James Lawrence a gold medal, and a 
silver medal to each of the commissioned officers who ser- 
ved under him in the sloop of war Hornet, in her conflict 
with the British vessel of war Peacock, in testimony of the 
high sense entertained by congress, of the gallantry and good 
conduct of the officers and crew in the capture of that ves- 
sel ; and that the president be also requested to communi- 
cate to the nearest relative of Capt. Lawrence, the sense 
which congress entertains of the loss the naval service of the 
United States has sustained in the death of that distinguish- 
ed officer." 

The crew of the Hornet were treated with a dinner and a 
seat at the theatre by the corporation of New York, in hon- 
our of their good conduct in the battle with the Peacock. 

The citizens of Philadelphia subscribed a rich and beau- 
tiful piece of plate for the lamented Capt. Lawrence. He 
did not live to receive this token of respect and affection. 
It was however finished and presented to Mrs. Lawrence. 

The following is the answer of Mrs. Lawrence, to a re- 
spectful note, addressed to her from a committee of the citi- 
zens of Philadelphia. 

39 



290 NAVAL MONUMENT. 

Gentlemen, New York, Jan. 16, 1816. • 

Your letter, accompanying "two elegant pieces of plate, 
intended to commemorate the capture of the sloop of war 
Peacock by the American sloop Hornet, under Capt. Law 
rence's command," has been received. 

From the enlightened citizens of Philadelphia, celebrated 
for their patriotism, this testimony of respect for the services 
of my lamented husband is peculiarly grateful ; and as the 
applause of his fellow citizens was the most acceptable re- 
ward he could, while living, receive ; so it is the greatest 
consolation which my widowed heart is capable of enjoying, 
that his memory is thought worthy of being cherished with 
esteem by those for whose rights he offered up his life. 

Accept, I pray you, gentlemen for yourselves, and be pleas- 
ed to communicate to those on whose behalf you act, my sin- 
cere thanks and respectful consideration. 

Your obedient servant, 

George Harrison, and JULIA LAWRENCE. 

Daniel William Cox, Esq'rs. 
Committee in behalf of the citizens of Philadelphia. 

The congress of the United States presented to the near- 
est male relative of Lieut. William Burrows and to Lieut. 
M'Call of the brig Enterprise, a gold medal, with suitable 
emblems and devices, and a silver medal to each of the com- 
missioned officers, in honour of their gallantry and good 
conduct in the conflict with the Boxer. 

The citizens of Portland gave a dinner to the crew of the 
Enterprise in honour of their bravery in capturing the 
Boxer. 

An entertainment was given at Baltimore to Lieut. M'Call 
on whom the command of the Enterprize devolved, after 
the death of Lieut. Burrows. Among the guests invited, 
were Capts. Ridgley and Spence, of the United States sloops 
Erie and Ontario. 

The legislature of South Carolina presented a sword to 
Lieut. M'Call, as a mark of respect entertained by his native 
state for his distinguished gallantry and good conduct in the 



NAVAL MONUMENT. 291 

battle with the Boxer. They also voted a sword to Lieut. 
Tillinghast, a native of that state, in honour of the good 
conduct he exhibited in the same engagement. Also the 
citizens of Columbia, S. C. the native place of Lieut. Til- 
linghast, presented to him an elegant sword. 

Matthew L. Davis Esq. of New 7 York, passing through 
Portland on a tour to the eastward, accidentally took a walk 
into the burying ground. His attention was attracted to the 
neglected grave of the late Lieut. Burrows. The only guide 
to the spot, where are deposited the remains of one who 
deserved so much of his country, was the tomb stone of his 
deceased competitor, Capt. Blythe. This was erected two 
years since by the surviving officers of the Boxer. Mr. Da- 
vis immediately gave orders for an elegant marble monu- 
ment to be erected over the grave of Burrows, to be finish- 
ed by his return, and without sparing labour or expense. 
It was soon completed and put up. Its style of execution 
does much credit to the ingenious artist, Mr. Bartlett Adams 
of Portland. The inscription is highly creditable to the 
taste, judgment and modesty of the generous donor, and 
worthy the hero, whom it is designed to commemorate. 

The congress of the United States voted their thanks to 
Com. Perry, and through him to the officers, petty offi- 
cers, seamen, marines, and infantry, serving as such, attach- 
ed to the squadron under his command, for the decisive and 
and glorious victory of Lake Erie, also gold medals to Com. 
Perry and Lt. J. D. Elliott, and silver medals with suitable 
devices, to each of the corfimissioned officers, either of the 
navy or army, serving on board, and a sword to each of the 
midshipmen and sailing masters, who so nobly distinguished 
themselves on that memorable day ; also, a silver medal to 
the nearest male relative ofLt. John Brooks, of the marines, 
a sword to the nearest male relative of Midshipmen Henry 
Laub, Thomas Claxton, jun. and John Clark, and three 
month's extra pay to all the petty officers, seamen, marines, 
and infantry, who were in the engagement. 

A splendid public dinner was given by the citizens of 
Boston to Com. Perry. The company assembled in the 



292 NAVAL MONUMENT. 

Senate Chamber of the State house, from whence the whole 
proceeded to the Exchange Coffee House. 

The dinner was served up in Mr. Jones' best style, and 
the hall was very elegantly and appropriately decorated. 
After dinner appropriate toasts, occasionally relieved by 
songs sung by Messrs. Stebbins and Messinger, were drank 
amidst cheers of applause, and followed by airs from a full 
band of musick. 

Com. Perry was received with the greatest respect by the 
citizens of Albany. The common council voted him the 
freedom of the city in a gold case, with an elegant sword. 

The legislature of Pennsylvania voted their thanks to 
Com. Perry with a gold medal ; to Lieut. Elliott their 
thanks, with a like medal; and to those citizens of Pennsyl- 
vania, who volunteered their services, a silver medal of the 
weight of two dollars, with each person's name subscribed 
thereon. 

A spendid entertainment was given to Com. Perry at 
Tammany Hall, New York. 

An entertainment was given to Com. Perry at Barney's 
" Fountain Inn," Baltimore. The room was decorated with 
elegant transparent paintings, representing the battle of 
Lake Erie, and exhibiting the names of our naval heroes, &c. 
The cities of Hudson, N. Y. Philadelphia, Richmond 
and Charleston, S. C. were splendidly illuminated in honour 
of Perry's victory. 

The citizens of Newport R. I. presented to Com. Perry, a 

native of that place, a rich piece of plate of the value of $700. 

The legislature of South Carolina gave an elegant sword 

to Lieut. Thomas Holdup, for his gallantry in the battle of 

Lake Erie. 

The citizens of Boston presented to Com. Perry a service 
of plate, consisting of nearly forty pieces, which cost $1600. 
A piece of plate of the value of $300 was subscribed for 
Com. Perry by the citizens of Fredicksburgh, Va. 

The citizens of Philadelphia and Savannah presented to 
Com. Perry ahand&ome sword> with appropriate engravings 



NAVAL MONUMENT. 29S 

The congress of the United States resolved, that their 
thanks be presented to Com. Macdonough, and through 
him to the officers, petty officers, seamen, marines, and in- 
fantry serving as marines, attached to the squadron under 
his command, for the decisive and splendid victory gained 
on Lake Champlain ; that gold medals be struck, emblem- 
atical of the actions between the two squadrons, and presen- 
ted to Com. Macdonough, Capt. Robert Henley, and Lieut. 
Stephen Cassin ; that silver medals, with appropriate devi- 
ces be bestowed on each of the commissioned officers of the 
navy and army, who were in the engagement, and a sword 
on each midshipman and sailing master. A silver medal 
was also voted to the nearest male relative of Lieut. Peter 
Gamble and Lieut. John Stansbury, who fell in the action. 

The legislature of New York gave to Com. Macdonouo-h 
a thousand acres of land. 

The legislature of Vermont gave to Com. Macdonough a 
tract of land adjoining Lake Champlain, from which may 
be seen that part of the lake where the battle was fought. 

The common council of New York presented to Com. 
Macdonough the freedom of the city in a gold box, and 
their thanks to his officers and crew. They also requested 
of the commodore his portrait to be placed in the gallery of 
paintings. 

The citizens of Plattsburg gave a public dinner to Com. 
Macdonough. 

The citizens of Salem gave a public entertainment to 
Capt. Charles Stewart, of the frigate Constitution. The offi- 
cers of the frigate were among the guests. Every thing 
was conducted in an elegant style. Com. Rodgers and our 
naval victors were honourably complimented, and the la- 
mented dead, Lawrence, Burrows, Alwyn, and Budd were 
not forgotten. 

Capt. Porter, on his return from the Western ocean, land- 
ed at New- York, where he was received with enthusiasm. 
The people took the horses from his carriage, and, amidst 
the shouts of thousands, hauled him to his lodgings. 



294 NAVAL MONUMENT. 

A part of the crew, late of the Essex, received a public 
entertainment at Tammany Hall, New York. Some of the 
wounded attended the procession in carriages. Their 
whole number was 184. The toasts of these men shew their 
love to their country and to their commander. 

Capt. Porter was received at Philadelphia by tens of 
thousands. He entered the city in a carriage with the may- 
or, preceded and followed by an immense cavalcade of offi- 
cers, civil and military, and citizens of all ranks. The 
streets were hung with stripes and stars. When the crowd 
arrived opposite Christ's Church in Second-street, it was 
met by a large body of respectable seamen, who fastened an- 
other rope to the carriage in which the people were hauling 
the 'gallant captain ;~*(for long before'they had unharnessed 
the horses) and the whole moved through the city with 
continual shouts. When they arrived at the mansion house 
hotel, the sailors took him on their shoulders and carried 
him in with huzzas. 

Congress voted their thanks to Capt. Lewis Warrington, 
officers and crew of the Peacock, for the skill and bravery 
displayed in the capture of the Epervier. They also gave 
to Capt. Warrington a gold medal with emblematic devices : 
to each of the commissioned officers, a silver medal, with 
like devices, and to each of the midshipmen and sailing 
masters a sword. 

The president of the United States, at the request of 
congress presented to Capt. Johnston Blakeley of the sloop- 
of-war Wasp, a gold medal with suitable devices, and a sil- 
ver medal, with like devices, to each of the commissioned 
officers ; and also a sword to each of the midshipmen and 
sailing masters of that vessel, in testimony of the high sense 
entertained by the legislature of the nation, of their gal- 
lantry and good conduct in the action with the British 
sloop of war Reindeer. 

A public dinner was given to Capt. Biddle of the sloop- 
of-war Hornet, at Tammany Hall, New York. The compa- 



NAVAL MONUMENT. 295 

ny was numerous, the guests distinguished, and the toasts 
American. 

The congress of the United States passed a resolution 
expressive of the high sense entertained by that body of the 
gallantry and good conduct of Com. Daniel T. Patterson 
andMaj. D. Carmick, and of the officers, seamen, and ma- 
rines under their command, in the defence of New Orleans. 

The corporation of New York voted the freedom of that 
city in a golden box, to Capt. Charles Stewart, of the frig- 
ate Constitution, for his gallantry and nautical skill displayed 
in the capture of the British ships Cyane and Levant ; and 
also the thanks of the corporation to the officers and crew 
of the frigate for the brave manner in which they engaged, 
fought and conquered on that occasion. 

The Constitution, when entering Boston harbour, fired a 
salute, whieh was immediately returned from Fort Indepen- 
dence. On anchoring, this glorious vessel was welcomed to 
her native place by federal salutes from the Washington Ar- 
tillery, and a company of citizens. Capt. Stewart then 
left the ship in his barge, accompanied by several officers 
belonging to the squadron under a salute ; and was received 
at Long Wharf, by his assembled fellow citizens, with re- 
peated huzzas, and other hearty demonstrations of gratitude 
and respect. The officers of the Boston brigade, being 
that day on duty, proceeded in a body to the place of land- 
ing, and through their commander, Gen. Welles, paid their 
respects and congratulations to their gallant and meritori- 
ous fellow countrymen. An escort, composed of the Bos- 
ton Fusiliers and Winslow Blues, under Capt. Fairbanks, 
conducted Capt. Stewart, and the other officers of the ship, 
to the Exchange Coffee House, amidst the repeated cheers of 
citizens of both sexes, who filled the streets, wharves and ves- 
sels, and occupied the houses. The procession was closed 
by a large number of citizens. A repast was provided at the 
Coffee House, (where Capt. Stewart received the congratu- 
lations of a great number of citizens and strangers) during 
which a full band of music played national ai^s and mar- 



296 NAVAL MONUMENT. 

ches ; and the ships, wharves, and State-street were beauti- 
fully decorated with the colours of all nations. 



WAR WITH ALGIERS. 

This war was declared on the 2d of March, 1815, and 
was brought to an honourable termination in the short 
space of four months. We have room to insert only the 
following documents relative to it. 

COPY OF A LETTER FROM COM. DECATUR TO THE SEC- 
RETARY OF THE NAVY. 

Sir, U. S. Ship Guerriere, Bay of Tunis, July 31, 1815. 

I have the honour to inform you, that upon my arrival 
at this anchorage, I was made acquainte d with the following 
transactions, which had tal en place here during our late 
war with Great Britain. 

Two prizes, which had been taken by the Jlbazllino priva- 
teer, and sent into this port, were taken possession of by a 
British vessel of war while lying within the protection of 
the Bey of Tunis. The consul having communicated to me 
information of this violation of our treaty with Tunis, I de- 
manded satisfaction of the Bey. After some hesitation, and 
proposing a delay of payment for one year, my demand was 
acceded to, and the money amounting to $ 46,000, was paid 
into the hands of the consul, Mr. Noah, agent for the priva- 
teer. 

I shall proceed immediately for Tripoli, and will give you 
early information of the further proceedings of this squad- 
ron. The Bey of Tunis has now lying in this harbour, 
nearly ready for sea, three frigates and several small vessels 
of war. 

I have the honour to be, 

with great respect, sir, your obe't serv't, 

STEPHEN DECATUR. 

Hon. B. W. Crowninshield, 

Secretary of the navy. __ _ 



NAVAL MONUMENT. 297 

EXTRACT OF A LETTER FROM COM. DECATOR TO TUB 
SECRETARY OF THE NAVY. 

U. S. Ship Gucrriere, Messina Aug. 31, 1815. 

I have the honour to inform you, that immediately after 
the date of my last communication I proceeded to Tripoli. 
Upon my arrival off that place, I received fro m our consul 
a letter; in consequence of the information contained in this 
letter, I deemed it necessary to demand justice from the Ba- 
shaw. On the next day the governour of the city of Tri- 
poli came on board the Guerriere, to treat in behalf of the 
Bashaw. He objected to the amount claimed by us, but 
finally agreed to our demands The money, amounting to 
the sum of $25,000, has been paid into the hands of the 
consul, who is agent for the privateer. 

The Bashaw also delivered up to me ten captives, two 
of them Danes, and the others Neapolitans. 

During the progress of our negotiations with the states 
of Barbary, now brought to a conclusion, there has appear- 
ed a disposition on the part of each of them, to grant as far 
as we were disposed to demand. 

I trust that the successful result of our small expedition, 
so honourable to our country, will induce other nations to 
follow the example ; in which case the Barbary states will 
be compelled to abandon their piratical system. 

I shall now proceed with the squadron to Carthagena, at 
which place I hope to find the relief squadron from Ameri- 
ca. | 

COPY OF A LETTER FROM COM. BAINBRIDGE TO THE 
SECRETARY OF THE NAVY. 

U. S. Ship Independence, off the Bay of Tunis, 

September 6, 1815. 
1 had the honour of making communications to you from 
Carthagena on the 10th ultimo, from which place I sailed 
with the Independence, Congress, Erie, Chippewa, and Spark, 
destined for Tripoli, having learned that a misunderstand- 
ing existed between the Bashaw of that place, and our con- 

40 



298 NAVAL MONUMENT. 

sul residing there. On my way I called at Algiers to exhi- 
bit this additional force off there, presuming it would have 
some weight in preserving the peace which had just been 
made ; for the only mode of convincing these people is by 
ocular demonstration. 

On my arrival off Tripoli, I learned that Com. Decatur 
had been there with the first squadron, and had adjusted 
our differences, which existed at that place. Our consul at 
Tripoli informed me, that the exhibiting of our naval force 
before Tripoli had produced a most favourable change in 
the disposition of the Bashaw for preserving the peace with 
us. 

At Tripoli, learning that the Bey of Tunis was restless 
towards the United States, I immediately proceeded with 
the vessels with me for that place. 

On my arrival at Tunis, I learned by a letter from our 
consul there, that the Bey and his officers were friendly dis- 
posed towards us. 

Having, agreeably to your instructions, exhibited the 
force under my command to all the Barbary powers, (and 
which, I believe, will have a tendency to prolong our trea- 
ties with them,) I have only now, in further obedience to 
those instructions, to return with the squadron to the Unit- 
ed States. 

EXTRACT OF A LETTER FROM THE SAME TO THE SAME. 

U. S. Ship Independence, Malaga, September 14, 1815. 

I arrived here yesterday, under the expectation of meet- 
ing here the first squadron ; but to my regret, Com. Deca- 
tur has not yet come down the Mediterranean, and where 
the squadron with him is, I know not ; for the last I learn- 
ed of them was off Tripoli, which place they left on the 
9th ultimo. 

As the squadron has to return this autumn, in pursuance 
of your orders, it is very desirable that it should leave this 
sea as soon as possible, to avoid the inclemency of the win- 
ter on our coast, particularly on account of the smaller ves- 



NAVAL MONUMENT. 299 

sels. The Independence, Congress, Boxer, Saranac, Chippewa, 
and Spark are here ; the Erie I expect every hour from 
Malta, where I had sent her ; the Torch and Lynx are at 
Carthagena. — All these vessels will be prepared immediate- 
ly to return ; but they cannot sail till the other squadron 
has joined us. 

Copy of a letter from Com. Decatur to his excellency the Marquis 
Cercello, Secretary of Stale and Minister of Foreign affairs 
to his Majesty the King of Naples. 

Sir, U. S, Ship Gucrriere, Naples, Sept. 8, 1815. 

I have the honour to inform your excellency, that in my 
late negociation with the Bashaw of Tripoli, I demanded 
and obtained the release of eight Neapolitan captives, sub- 
jects of his majesty the king of the two Sicilies. These I 
have landed at Mesina. It affords me great pleasure to 
have had it in my power, by this small service, to evince to 
his majesty the grateful sense entertained by our govern- 
ment of the aid formerly rendered to us by his majesty, 

during our war with Tripoli. 

With great respect and consideration, I have the honour 
to be your excellency's most obedient servant, 

STEPHEN DECATUR. 
His Excellency the Marquis Cercello, 
Secretary of State, <^c. <^c. 

Sir, Naples, Sept. 12, 1815. 

Having laid before the king my master, the paper which 
you have directed me, dated the 8th inst. in which you 
were pleased to acquaint me, that in your last negociation 
with the Bey of Tripoli, you had freed from the slavery of 
that Regency eight subjects of his majesty, whom you had 
also set on shore at Messina ; his majesty has ordered me 
to acknowledge this peculiar favour, as the act of your gen- 
erosity, which you have been pleased to call a return for 



300 NAVAL MONUMENT. 

the trifling assistance which the squadron of your nation* 
formerly received from his royal government during the 
war with Tripoli. 

In doing myself the pleasure of manifesting this sentiment 
of my king, and of assuring you in his name, that the brave 
American nation will always find in his majesty's ports the 
best reception — I beg you will receive the assurances of my 
most distinguished consideration. 

Marquis CERCELLO, 
Secretary of State and Minister of 
Foreign Affairs. 
Com. Decatur, Commander of the 
Squadron of U. S. of America. 

EXTRACT OF A LETTER FROM AN OFFICER OF THE U. 

S, NAVY. 

Bay of Naples, Sept. 10, 1815. 
This being the first opportunity since we left Algiers, I 
use it. We left Algiers the 8th J11I3 , and on the 15th arri- 
ved at Cagliari, for water and refreshments ; on the 25th 
sailed for Tunis, and on the following day anchored in the 
bay, in a fine position. The commodore immediately made 
his compliments to the Bey, signifying .j him that, as he 
had permitted two brigs, prizes to the United States flag, to 
be taken from under his batteries by an English ship of war, 
contrary to the usages of war and civilized nations, he ha- 
ving power to resist this violation of this port ; the pur- 
pose of his visit was to demand indemnity for this breach 
of good faith, and he would expect it to be sent an board 
by a given hour on the day named : the commodore sent an 
estimate of the value of the prizes, and although there ap- 
pears to have been great consternation, the demand was 
promptly complied with, and the indemnity sent on board ; 
having accomplished this service by the 2d of August, we 
sailed for, and on the 5th anchored before Tripoli, where 
we ha.d a similar ceremony to perform, and which was con- 
ducted in the same smooth, cool, decided wav without any 



NAVAL MONUMENT. 301 

palavar, which would leave room to doubt that we should 
do as we said. The Bey of Tripoli appears not to have 
had so much of the ready at command, but showed equal 
readiness with his neighbour to comply with the demand : 
falling short of the indemnity required, he signified that 
there was a Danish family in his possession, consisting of 
nine persons, and two other Europeans, whom he was wil- 
ling to deliver up to make good the indemnity demanded ; 
the commodore did not hesitate a moment, and we had the 
satisfaction to see them soon after arrive on board our 
squadron. I need not say how gratifying this cruise must 
be to every American soul : how delightful it was to see the 
stars and stripes holding forth the hands of retributive jus- 
tice to the barbarians, and rescuing the unfortunate, even of 
distant but friendly European nations, from slavery. 

On the 10th, we arrived at Syracuse, and on the 20th at 
Messina, where we underwent some repairs, and on the 2d 
September arrived at this place. 

Extract of a letter from an officer on board the United States 

Brig Enterprise. 

" We remained at Malaga about two days, and then re- 
turned to Gibralter — here we were joined by all Com. Deca- 
tur's squadron, excepting his own ship. Our fleet now 
consisted of the Independence, Macedonian, United States, 
Constellation, Congress, Ontario, Erie, Enterprize, Chippewa, 
Saranac, Boxer, Firefly, Flambeau, Torch, Spitfire, Spark, and 
Lynx. It was a proud sight for an American to see in a 
British port just at the close of a war with her, which the 
English thought would have been the destruction of our na- 
vy, a squadron of seventeen sail, larger perhaps than our 
whole navy at the commencement of that war. At Malaga 
the governour waited on Com. Bainbridge on board his 
ship an honour which he had never deigned to pay to any 
admiral before. On our arrival at Gibralter the commodore 
fired a salute of seventeen guns, which was returned. 



302 NAVAL MONUMENT. 

" You have no idea of the respect which the American 
character has gained by our late wars. The Spaniards es- 
pecially, think we are devils incarnate : — as we beat the 
English, who beat the French, who beat them, whom no- 
body ever beat before — and the Algerines whom the devil 
himself could not beat. 

ANECDOTES. 

At the time Decatur arrived in sight of Gibralter, a great 
number of British officers and citizens, and among them an 
American gentleman, were assembled on an eminence to view 
the American fleet. Decatur entered the harbour with his 
squadron in a very handsome style ; sailed round, and went 
out again, without coming to anchor — his object being 
merely to make signals to the sloop of war Ontario. The 
British officers were very desirous of knowing the different 
names of the vessels of the squadron as they approached. 
The shrewd American pretended to know every vessel the 
moment he saw her broadside, and they crowded around 
him for information. The first frigate, he said, was the 
Guerrierc ; the second, the Macedonian ; the third, the Java; 
the next was the Epervier ; the next the Peacock ; and the 
nex t — « oh, damn the next," they exclaimed, and immedi- 
ately moved off, highly disgusted with the names of the 
vessels of the Yankee squadron. 

It is said the Dey of Algiers very reluctantly gave up all 
idea of receiving tribute from the Americans, and alleged 
among other things, that other nations, if he consented, 
might take advantage of it, and perhaps unite and occasion 
his destruction. It was not the amount or value of the 
sum he was particular about, but the receiving something 
annually of the Americans would add to his security, if it 
were only a little powder. Com. Decatur observed, that 
he thought it very probable, if he insisted upon receiving 
powder of the Americans as tribute, his wishes would be 
gratified, but he must certainly expect to receive balls with 
it. His Deyship very wisely gave up the point. 



NAVAL MONUMENT. 303 

When Com. Decatur's squadron was before Tunis, exact- 
ing payment from the Bey, for the restored prizes, ther e 
were in the harbour 6 Tunisian frigates, 6 corvettes and 
brigs, and 50 gun-boats. Capt. Gordon was employed to 
receive the money of the Bey. 

The American Commissioners to the Dey of Algiers. 

The undersigned have the honour to inform his highness, 
the Dey of Algiers, that they have been appointed, by the 
president of the United States of America, commissioners 
plenipotentiary to treat of peace with his highness, and that 
pursuant to their instruction, they are ready to open a ne- 
gotiation for the restoration of peace and harmony between 
the two countries, on terms just and honourable to both 
parties; and they feel it incumbent on them to state expli- 
citly to his highness, that they are instructed to treat upon 
no other principle than that of perfect equality, and on 
the terms of the most favoured nations ; no stipulation for 
paying any tribute to Algiers, under any form whatever, 
will be agreed to. 

The undersigned have the honour to transmit herewith 
a letter from the President of the United States, and avail 
themselves of this occasion to assure his highness of their 
high consideration and profound respect. 

Documents accompanying the message of the President transmit- 
ting to the senate the treaty of peace with Algiers. 

U. S. Ship Guerriere, Bay of Algiers, 
Sir, July 4, 1815. 

We have the honour to refer you to the official reports 
of Com. Decatur to the navy department, for an account of 
the operations of this squadron previous to our arrival off 
Algiers on the 28th ultimo. 

Having received information, that the Algerine squadron 
had been at sea for a considerable time longer than that to 
which their cruises usually extend, aud that a despatch boat 
had been sent from Gibraltar to Algiers to inform them of 



304 NAVAL MONUMENT. 

our arrival in the Mediterranean, we thought that they 
might have made a harbour where they would be in safety. 
We therefore, whilst they were in this state of uncertainty, 
believed it a proper moment to deliver the President's let- 
ter, agreeably to our instruction. Accordingly, on the 20th 
ult, a flag of truce was hoisted on board theGuerriere with 
the Swedish flag at the main. A boat came off about noon 
withMr.Norderling, consul of Sweden, and the captain of the 
port who confirmed the intelligence we had before received, 
and to whom we communicated information of the capture 
of their frigate and brig. The impression made by these 
events was visible and deep. We were requested by the 
captain of the port (Mr. Norderling declaring he was not 
authorized to act,) to state the conditions on which we 
would make peace , to which we replied, by giving the let- 
ter of the President to the Dey, and by a note from us to 
him, a copy of which ( No. 1) we have the honour to trans- 
mit herewith. The captain of the port then requested that 
hostilities should cease, pending the negotiation, and that 
persons authorized to treat should go on shore, he and Mr. 
Norderling both affirming that the minister of marine had 
pledged himself for our security and return to our ships 
when we pleased. Both these propositions were rejected, 
and they were explicitly informed that the negotiation must 
be carried on board the fleet, and that hostilities, as far as 
they respected vessels, could not cease — They returned on 
shore. On the followiug day the same persons returned and 
informed us, that they were conmmissioned by the Dey to 
treat with us on the proposed basis, and their anxiety ap- 
peared extreme to conclude the peace immediately. We 
then brought forward the model of a treaty, which we de- 
clared would not be departed from in substance, at the same 
time declaring, that although the United States would nev- 
er stipulate for paying tribute under any form whatever, yet 
that they were a magnanimous and generous nation, who 
would upon the presantation of consuls do what was cus- 
tomary with other great nations, in their friendly inter- 



NAVAL MONUMENT. 305 

course with Algiers. The treaty was then examined and 
they were of opinion, that it would not be agreed to in its 
present form, and particularly requested [that the article, 
requiring the restitution of the property they had captured, 
and which had been distributed, might be expunged, alleg- 
ing that such a demand had never before been made upon 
Algiers. To this it was answered, that the claim was just, 
and would be adhered to. They then asked whether, if the 
treaty should be signed by the Dey, we would engage to re- 
store the captured vessels, which we refused. They then 
represented that it was not the present Dey who had declar- 
ed the war, which they acknowledged to be unjust, conce- 
ding that they were wholly in the wrong, and had no ex- 
cuse, and requested we would take the case of the Dey in- 
to consideration, and upon his agreeing to terms with us 
more favorable than had ever before been made with any 
other nation, to restore the ships, which they stated would 
be of little or no value to us, but would be of great impor- 
tance to him, as they would satisfy the people with the con- 
ditions of the peace we were going to conclude with him. 

We consulted upon this question, and determined that, 
considering the state of those vessels, the sums that would 
be required to fit them for a passage to the United States, 
and the little probability of selling them in this part of the 
world, we would make a compliment of them to his high- 
ness in the state thev then were, the commodore eKgaffin 0- to 
furnish them with an escort to this port. This however, 
would depend upon their signing the treaty as presented to 
them, and could not appear as an article of it, but must be 
considered as a favour conferred on the Dey by the United 
States. 

They then requested a truce, to deliberate upon the terms 
of the proposed treaty, which was refused ; they then plea- 
ded for three hours. The reply was, "not a minute ; if 
your squadron appears in sight before the treaty is actually 
signed by the Dey, and the prisoners sent off, ours would 
capture them." It was finally agreed that hostilities should 

41 



306 NAVAL MONUMENT. 

cease, when we perceived their boat coming off with a 
white flag hoisted ; the Swedish consul pledging his word 
of honour not to hoist it unless the treaty was signed and 
the'prisoners in the boat. They returned on shore, and al- 
though the distance was full five miles, thev came back 
within three hours, with the treaty signed, as we had con- 
cluded it, and the prisoners. 

During the interval of their absence, a corvette appear- 
ed in sight, which would have been captured if they had 
been detained one hour longer. The treaty has since been 
drawn out "anew, translated by them, and duly executed by 
the Dey, which we have the honour to transmit herewith. 

Mr. Shaler has since been on shore, and the cotton and 
money mentioned in the fourth article, have been given up 
to him. They now show every disposition to maintain a 
sincere peace with us, which is doubtless owing to the dread 
of our arms ; and we take this occasion to remark, that, in 
our opinion, the only secure guarantee we can have for the 
maintenance of the peace just concluded with these people, 
is the presence, in the Mediterranean, of a respectable na- 
val force. 

As this treaty appears to us to secure every interest with- 
in the contemplation of the government, and as it really 
places the United States on higher ground than any other 
nation, we have no hesitation on our part, in fulfilling such 
of its provisions as are within our power, in the firm be- 
lief that it will receive the ratification of the President and 

Senate. 

We have the honour to be, with respect, 

Sir, your obedient servants. 

STEPHEN DECATUR. 
Hon. James Monroe, WILLIAM SHALER. 

Secretary of State. 



NAVAL MONUMENT. 307 

JAMES MADISON, 

PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, 

To all and singular to whom these Presents shall come.... Greeting : 

WHEREAS a Treaty of Peace and Amity, between the 
United States of America and His Highness Omar Bashaw, 
Dey of Algiers, was concluded at Algiers on the thirtieth 
day of June last, by Stephen Decatur and William Shaler, 
citizens of the United States, on the part of the United 
States and the said Omar Bashaw, Dey of Algiers, and was 
duly signed and sealed by the said parties, which Treaty is 
in the words following, to wit : 

TREATY of Peace and Amity, concluded between the United 
States of America and His Highness Omar Bashaw, Dey of 
Algiers. 

Art. 1 . There shall be, from the conclusion of this trea- 
ty, a firm, inviolable aud universal peace and friendship be- 
tween the President and the citizens of the United States of 
America, on the one part, and the Dey and subjects of the 
Regency of Algiers in Barbary on the other, made by the 
free consent of both parties, on the terms of the most favor- 
ed nations : and if either party shallTiereafter grant to any 
other nation any particular favour or privilege in naviga- 
tion or commerce, it shall immediately become common to 
the other party, freely when it is freely granted to such 
other nations ; but when the grant is conditional, it shall be 
at the option of the contracting parties to accept, alter, or 
reject such conditions, in such manner as shall be most 
conducive to their respective interests. 

Art. 2. It is distinctly understood between the contract- 
ing parties, that no tribute, either as biennial presents, or 
under any other form or name whatever, shall ever be re- 
quired by the Dey and Regency of Algiers from the United 
States of America, on any pretext whatever. 

Art. 3. The Dey of Algiers shall cause to be immediately 
delivered up to the American squadron, now off Algiers, all 



308 NAVAL MONUMENT. 

the American citizens, now in his possession, amounting to 
ten, more or less ; and all the subjects of the Dey of Algiers, 
now in possession of the United States, amounting to five 
hundred, more or less, shall be delivered up to him, the 
United States, according to usages of civilized nations, 
requiring no ransom for the excess of prisoners in their fa- 
vours. 

Jlrt. 4. A just and full compensation shall be made by the 

Dey of Algiers, to such citizens of the United States, as have 
been captured and detained by Algerine cruisers, or.\vho 
have been forced to abandon their property in Algiers in vi- 
olation of the twenty-second article of the treaty of peace 
and amity concluded between the United States and the 
Dey of Algiers, on the 5th of September, 17G5. 

And it is agreed between the contracting parties, that in 
lieu of the above, the Dey of Algiers shall cause to be de- 
livered forthwith into the hands of the American consul, 
residing at Algiers, the whole of a quantity of bales of cot- 
ton, left by the late consul general of the United States in 
the public magazines in Algiers, and that he shall pay into 
the hands of the said consul the sum of ten thousand Span- 
ish dollars. 

Jlrt. 5. If any goods, belonging to any nation with which 
either of the parties is at war, should be loaded on board 
vessels belonging to the other party, they shall pass free and 
unmolested, and no attempts shall be made to take or detain 
them. 

Art. G. if any citizens or subjects with their effects, be- 
longing to either party, shall be found on board a prize ves- 
sel taken fiom an enemy by the other party, such citizens 
or subjects shall be liberated immediately, and in no case, 
on any other pretence whatever, shall any American citizen 
be kept in captivity or confinement, or the property of any 
American citizen, found on board of any vessel belonging to 
any other nation, with which Algiers may be at war, be 
detained from its lawful owners after the exhibition of suf- 
ficient proofs of American citizenship and of American. 



NAVAL MONUMENT. S09 

property by the consul of the United States, residing at Al- 



giers 



Art. 7. Proper passports shall immediately be given to 
the vessels of both the contracting parties, on condition 
that the vessels of war belonging to the Regency of Al- 
giers, on meeting with merchant vessels belonging to the 
citizens of the United States of America, shall not be per- 
il jtnitted to visit them with more than two persons besides 
the rowers ; these only shall be permitted to go on board, 
withou* first obtaining leave from the commander of said 
vessel, who shall compare the passport, and immediately 
permit said vessel to proceed on her voyage ; and should 
any cf the subjects of Algiers insult or molest the com- 
mander or any other person on board a vessel so visited, or 
plunder any of the property contained in her, on complain): 
being made by the consul of the United States residing in 
Algiers, and on his producing sufficient proof to substanti- 
ate the fact, the commander of Rais of said Algerine ship 
or vessel of war, as well as the offenders, shall be punished 
in the most exemplary manner. 

All vessels of war belonging to the United States of Amer- 
ica, on meeting a cruiser belonging to the Regency of Al- 
giers on having seen her passports and certificates from the- 
consul of the United States, residing in Algiers, shall per- 
mit her to proceed on her cruise unmolested, and without 
detention. No passport shall be granted by either party to 
any vessel, but such as arc absolutely the property of citi- 
zens or subjects of the said contracting parties, on any pre- 
tence whatever. 

Jlrt. 8. A citizen or subject of either of the contracting 
parties having bought a prize vessel condemned by the oth- 
er party, or by any other nation, the certificates of con- 
demnation and bill of sale shall be a sufficient passport for 
such vessel for six montlis, which, considering the distance 
between the two countries, is no more than a reasonable 
time for her to procure proper passports. 



310 NAVAL MONUMENT. 

Art. 9. Vessels of either of the contracting parties, pat- 
ting into the ports of the other, and having need "of provi- 
sions or other supplies, shall be furnished at the market 
price ; and if any such vessel should so put in from a dis- 
tance at sea, and have occasion to repair, she shall be at 
liberty to land and re-embark her cargo without paying any 
customs or duties whatever ; but in no case shall she be com- 
pelled to land her cargo. 

Art. 10. Should a vessel of either of the contracting 
parties be cast on shore within the territories of the other, 
all proper assistance shall be given to her crew : no pillage 
shall be allowed. The property shall remain at the dispos- 
al of the owners, and if re-shipped on board of any vessel 
for exportation, no customs or duties whatever shall be re- 
quired to be paid thereon, and the crew shall be protected 
and secured, until they can be sent to their own country. 

Art. 11. If a vessel of either of the contracting parties 
shall be attacked by an enemy within cannon shot of the forts 
of the other, she shall be protected as much as possible. If 
she be in port she shall not be seized or attacked, when it is 
in the power of the other party to protect her ; and when she 
proceeds to sea, no enemy shall be permitted to pursue her 
from the same port, within twenty-four hours after her de- 
parture. 

Art. 12. The commerce between the United States of 
America and the Regency of Algiers, the protections to be 
given to merchants, masters of vessels, and seamen, the re- 
ciprocal rights of establishing consuls in each country, and 
the privileges, immunities and jurisdiction to be enjoyed by 
such consuls, are declared to be on the same footing in eve- 
ry respect with the most favoured nations respectively. 

Art. 13. The consul of the United States of America shall 
not be responsible for the debts contracted by citizens of his 
own nation, unless he previously gives written obligations 
so to do. 

Art. 14. On a vessel or vessels of war, belonging to the 
United States, anchoring before the city of Algiers, the con- 



NAVAL MONUMENT. 311 

sul is to inform the Dey of her arrival, when she shall re- 
ceive the salutes which are by treaty or custom given to the 
ships of war of favoured nations, on similar occasions and 
which shall be returned gun for gun ; and if after such ar- 
rival, so announced, any Christians whatsoever, in Algiers, 
make their escape and take refuge on board any of the ships 
of war, they shall not be required back again, nor shall the 
consul of the United States, or commander of said ships, 
be required to pay any thing for the said Christians. 

Art. 15. As the government of the United States of Amer- 
ica has in itself no character of enmity against the laws, re- 
ligion, or tranquility of any nation, and as the said States 
have never entered into any voluntary war or act of hostili- 
ty, except in defence of their just rights on the high seas, it 
is declared by the contracting parties,that no pretext arising 
from religious opinions shall ever produce an interruption 
of the harmony existing between the two nations ; and the 
consuls and agents of both nations shall have liberty to cele- 
brate the rites of their respective religions in their own 
houses. 

The consuls respectively shall have liberty and personal 
security given them to travel within the territories of each 
other both by land and sea, and shall not be prevented from 
going on board any vessels they may think proper to visit ; 
they shall likewise have the liberty to appoint their own 
drogoman and broker. 

Art. 16. In case of any dispute arising from the violation 
of any of the articles of this treaty, no appeal shall be made 
to arms, nor shall war be declared on any pretext whatever ; 
but if the consul, residing at the place where the dispute 
shall happen, shall not be able to settle the same, the gov- 
ernment of that country shall state their grievance in writing, 
and transmit the same to the government of the other, and 
the period of three months shall be allowed for answers to 
be returned, during which time no act of hostility shall be 
permitted by either party ; and in case the grievances are 
not redressed, and a war should be the event, the consul and 



312 NAVAL MONUMENT. 

citizens, and subjects of both parties respectively, shall be 
permitted to embark with their effects unmolested, on board 
of what vessel or vessels they shall think proper, reasona- 
ble time being allowed for that purpose- 

Art. 1 7. If in the course of events, a war should break out 
between the two nations, the prisoners captured by either 
party shall not be made slaves ; they shall not be forced to 
hard labour, or other confinement than such as may be nec- 
essary to secure their safe keeping, and shall be exchanged 
rank for rank ; and it is agreed that prisoners shall be ex- 
changed in twelve months after their capture, and the ex- 
change may be effected by any private individual legally 
authorized by either of the parties. 

Art. 18. If any of thcBarbary states or other powers at war 
with the United States, shall capture any American vessel 
and send it into anv port of the Regency of Algiers, thev 
shall not be permitted to sell her, but shall be forced to de- 
part the port, o:i procuring the requisite supplies of provi- 
sion : But the vessels of war of the United States, with any 
prizes they may capture from their enemies shall have liberty 
to frequent the port of Algiers, for refreshment of any kind 
and to sell such prizes, in the said ports, without any other 
customs or duties, than such as are customary on ordinary 
commercial importation. 

Art. 19. If anv of the citizens of the United States, or anv 
person under their protection, shall have any disputes with 
each otiier, the consul shall decide between the parties, and 
whenever the consul shall require any aid or assistance from 
the government of Algiers to inforce his decisions, it shall 
be immediately granted to him ; and if any disputes shall 
arise between any citizens of the United States and the citi- 
zens or subjects of any other nation having consul or agent 
in Algiers, such disputes shall be settled by the consuls or 
agents of the respective nations ; and any disputes or suits at 
law that may take place between any citizens of the United 
States and the subjects of the Regency of Algiers, shall be 
decided by the Dey in person and no other. 



1NAVAL MONUMENT. 313 

Art. 20. Ifa citizen of the United States should kill, wound, 
or strike a subject of Algiers, or, on the contrary a sub- 
ject of Algiers should kill, wound, or strike a citizen of the 
United States, the law of the country shall take place, and 
equal justice shall be rendered, the consul assisting at the 
trial ; but the sentence of punishment against an American 
citizen shall not be greater, or more severe, than it would 
be against a Turk in the same predicament, and if any de- 
linquent should make his escape, the consul shall not be re- 
sponsible for him in any manner whatever. 

Art. 21. The consul of the United States of America shall 
not be required to pay any custom or duties whatever on 
any thing he imports for a foreign country for the use of his 
house and family. 

Art. 22. Should any of the citizens of the United States of 
America die within the limits of the Regency of Algiers, the 
Dey and his subjects shall not interfere with the property 
of the deceased, but it shall be under the immediate direc- 
tion of the consul, unless otherwise disposed of by will. 
Should there be no consul, the effect shall be deposited in 
the hands of some person worthy of trust, until the party 
shall appear who has a right to demand them, when they 
shall render an account of the property ; neither shall the 
Dey or his subjects give hindrance in the execution of any 
will that may appear. 

Now therefore be it known, that I James Madison, Presi- 
dent of the United States of America, having seen and con- 
sidered the said Treaty, have by and with the advice and 
consent of the Senate, accepted, ratified and confirmed the 
same, and every clause and article thereof. 

In testimony wherefore I have caused the seal of the Uni- 
ted States to be hereunto affixed, and have signed the 
(l. s.) same with my hand. Done at the City of Washing- 
ton this twenty-sixth day of December, A. D. one 
42 



314 



NAVAL MONUMENT. 



thousand eight hundred and fifteen, and of the Inde- 
pendence of the United States the^fortieth. 

JAMES; MADISON. 

By tho President, JAMES MONROE, Secretary of State. 



The following list comprises the names of all^the vessels 
belonging to the United States navy in 1812, before the late 
war with Great Britain. Those'marked in italics were lost 
during the war. The Boston, burnt at Washington, was a 



mere hulk, not worth 


repair, 


Jas'was also the JVe? 


o York y 


which escaped the flames. 










Rate. 






Rate. 


Ship United States 


- 44 


Ship Hornet 


- 


- 18 


President 


.- 44 


Wasp 


- 


- 18 


Constitution - 


- 44 


Brig Adams 


- 


- 18 


Chesapeake 


- 86 


Oneida 


- 


- 16 


Constellation - 


- 36 


Syren 


- 


- 16 


Congress 


- 36 


Jlrgus 


- 


- 16 


New York - 


- 32 


Enterprize 


- 


- 14 


Mams 


- 42 


Rattlesnake 


- 


- 14 


Boston . - 


- 32 


Nautilus - 


- 


- 14 


Essex 


- 32 


Vixen 


- 


- 14 


John Adams - 


- 24 


Viper 


- 


- 12 


Louisiana 


- 18 


Sch'r Vixen 


_ 


8 



Besides gun-boats, bombs, &c. 



JSAVALi REGISTER FOR 1815. 



Names and Rank. 



■ Dates of Com- 
missions. 



i n i [Dates of Com 
Names and Rank. „•„„•„„_ 



mission*. 



CAPTAINS. 

Alexander Murray 
John Rodgers 
James Barron 
William Bainbridge 
Hugh G. Campbell 
Stephen Decatur 
Thomas Tingey 
Charles Stewart 
Isaac Hull 
Isaac Chauncey 
John Shaw 
John H. Dent 
David Porter 
John Cassin 
Samuel Evans 
Charles Gordon 
Jacob Jones 
Charles Morris 
Joseph Tarbell No. 1 
Arthur Sinclair No. 2 
Oliver Hazard Perry 
Thomas Macdonough 
Lewis Warrington 
Joseph Bainbridge 
William Crane 
Johnston Blakeley 
James T. Leonard 
James Biddle No. 1 
Chs. G. Ridgley No. 2 
R. T. Spence No. 3 
Dan. T. Patterson 

MASTERS COM- 
MANDANT. 

Samuel Angus No. 4 
M. T. Woolsey No. 7 
J. O. Creighton No. 9 
Ed. Trenchard No. 10 
John Downes No. 11 
J. D. Henley No. 14 
Jesse D.Elliott No. 15 
Robert Henley 
Stephen Cassin 



1 July 

5 March 

22 May 
20 do 
16 Oct 
16 Feb 

23 Nov 

22 April 

23 do 

24 do 

27 Aug 
2,9 Dec 

2 July 

3 do 

4 July 

2 March 

3 do 

5 do 
24 July 
24 do 

10 Sept 

11 do 

22 Nov 

23 do 

24 do 

25 do 

4 Feb 

28 do 
2S do 
28 do 
2S do 



24 July, 
24 do 
24 do 
24 do 
24 do 
24 do 
24 do 
12 Aug 
11 Sept 



179S 
1799 

t 

1800 

6 

1S04 

C 

1S06 



1S07 
1811 
1812 



1812 
1813 



1814 



1815 



1S13 



|Dan'l S. Dexter No. 1 
I James RenshawNo. 2 
I David Deacon No. 3 
JLewis Alexis No. 4 
|M. B. Carroll No. 
I Sidney Smith 
Thomas Brown 
William Lewis 

LIEUTENANTS. 



1814 



10 Dec 
10 do 
10 do 
10 do 

4 Feb 
28 do 

1 March 

3 do 



1814 



1815 



Nathaniel Haraden 31 March 

Francis I. Mitchell 18 Feb 

George Merrill 30 April 
Samuel Woodhouse 4 May 

Chs. C. B. Thompson 15 do 

Joseph Nicholson 15 June 

Alex. S. Wadsworth 21 April 

John Pettigrew 22 do 

George W. Rodgers 24 do 

George C. Read 25 do 

Henry E. Ballard 26 do 

Thomas Gamble 27 do 

William Carter, Jr. 28 do 
B. I. Neale No. 2 4 June 
J. I. Nicholson No. 3 4 do 
Walter Stewart No. 4 4 do 

Wolcott Chauncey \ 7 do 
John H. Elton 8 do 

Edmund P. Kennedy 9 do 

Jesse Wilkinson 10 do 

Alexander J. Dallas 13 do 

John B. Nicholson 20 May 

Bekman V. Hoffman 21 do 

George Budd 23 do 

Thomas A. C. Jones 24 do 
Joseph S. Macpherson 26 do 

John Porter 27 do 

John T. Shubrick 2S do 
William Finch 4 Jan 

William B. Shubrick 5 do 
Henry Wells 6 do 

Benjamin W. Booth 7 do 
Alexander Claxton 8 do 



1807 
1809 



1810 



1812 



1813 



316 



NAVAL REGISTER. 



Names and Rank. 



I Dates of Com- 
missions. 



Names and Rank. 



j Dates of Com- 
missions. 



Enos R. Davis 
Charles W. Morgan 
Samuel P. Macomber 
Kaymond H. J. Perry 
Lawrence Kearney 
William H. Watson 
Thomas Hendry, Jr. 
Foxall A. Parker 
Edward R. M'Call 
Daniel Turner 

Wm.H. Allen No. l| 24 July 
S. D. M'Knight No. 2 24 do 
David Cannon No. 3 24 do 
John Gallagher No. 4 24 do 
Thomas Holdup No. 5 24 do 
Jas. A. Dudley No. 7 24 do 
Jas. P. Oellers No. 8 1 24 do 
Wm. M. Hunter No. 9|24 do 
John D. Sloat No. 10 24 do 



IS 
No. 19 
No. 21 
No. 22 



John Packett No. 
W.H.Cocke No. 
J. J. Yarnall No. 
Mat. C. Perry No. 

C. W. Skinner No. 15 
Joseph Wragg No. 16 
James Sanders No. 17 
James Reilly No. 
S. W. Adams 
J. R. Madison 

D. Taylor 

George Pierce No. 23 
Fred.W. Smith No. 24 
H.S.NewcombNo. 25 
N.D.Nicholson No. 26 
T. Tillinghast No. 27 j 
OthoNorris No. 29124 do 
J. T. Newton No. 30 24 do 
P.A.J.P. Jones No. 3l|24 do 



24 do 
24 do 
24 do 
1424 do 
24 do 
24 do 
24 do 
24 do 
24 do 
24 do 
24 do 
24 do 
24 do 
24 do 
24 do 
24 do 



Samuel Henlev No. 32 

A. Conckling No. 33 
Joseph Smith No. 34 
L. Rousseau No. 36 
G. W. Storer No. 37 
Henry B. Rapp No. 40 
Lewis German No. 41 
Joseph Cassin No. 42 
Rob. M. Rose No. 43 

B. Kennon No. 44 
Edward Shubrick 
Charles A. Budd 
Francis II. Gregory 



24 do 
24 do 
24 do 
24 do 
24 do 
24 do 
24 do 
24 do 
24 do 
24 do 
9 Oct 
\8 June 
28 do 



10 May 1813!j\Vm H. Odenheimer 

3 March ' / Edward Barnewell 

4 do ' j.Tohn M. Maury* 

5 do I ! Frederick Baury 

6 do I {Benjamin Cooper 
' 7 do [Philip F Voorhees 
I 8 do [Henry Gilliam 
I 9 do ' John II. Clack 
ill do William h Salter 
112 do William A.Spencer 

■ William L Gordon 
David Geisinger 
Richard Winter 
John T Wade 
John Percival 
James Ramage 
William V. Taylor 
Mervine Mix" 
Thomas M. Newell 
Edward Haddaway 
Charles F. M'Cawley 
JohnH Bell 
Dulany Forrest 
Bladen Dulany 
Tho. W Magr'nder 
Francis B. Gamble 
Richard Dashiel 
John Tayloe 
George B M'Culloch 
Robert Spedder 
Thomas T Webb 
(Walter G. Anderson 
Stephen Champlin 
[Charier T Stallings 
James M'Gowan 
William Lowe 
E A. F Vallette 
John II. Aulick 
Charles T. Clarke 
Silas Duncan 
Thomas Cunningham 
Isaac M'Keeper 
Robert F. Stockton 
Nat L. Montgomery 
Walter N.Monteath 
A. C. Stout 
Silas II. Stringham 
George Vancleave 
Paul Zantzinger 
1 John W. Gibbs 
i John T. Drury 

commissions 



* The relative rank of those officers whose 
of December, IS 14, has not been established 



16 July 1S14 
22 do 
9 Dec 
9 do 
9 do 
9 do 
9 do 
9 do 
9 do 
9 do 
9 do 
9 do 
9 do 
9 do 
9 do 
9 do 
9 do 
9 do 
9 do 
9 do 
9 do 
9 do 
9 do 
9 do 
9 do 
9 do 
9 do 
9 do 
9 do 
9 do 
9 do 
9 do 
9 do 
9 do 
9 do 
9 do 
9 do 
9 do 
9 do 
9 do 
9 do 
9 do 
9 do 
9 do 
9 do 
9 do 
9 do 
9dd 
9 do 
9 do 
9 do 

are dated the 9th 



NAVAL REGISTER. 



S\l 



.- , u„„7. I Dates of Com- 

J\ames ana Kunh. . „..__.. J ._ 



Charles E. Cowley 
William Laughton 
Nelson Webster 
Wm A. C. Farragut 
Richard G. Edwards 
William Merwin 
William K. Latimer 
Gustavus W. Spooner 
Isaac Mayo 
William H. Brailsford 
William Elliott 
Thomas Crabb 
Edward B. Babbit 
George Hamersley 

SURGEONS. 

Edward Cutbush 
Peter St. Medard 
Samuel R. Marshall 
Lewis Ileerman 
Joseph G. P. Hunt 
Jonathan Cowdery 
Samuel D. Heap 
Robert L. Thorn 
Samuel R. Trevett, Jr. 
Wm P. C. Barton 
Joseph W. New 
Joseph S. Schoolfield 
George Logan 
Amos A. Evans 
Robert Morrell 
Robert S. Kearney 
James Page 
John D. M'Reynolds 
Thomas Harris 
William Turk No 1 
Hyde Ray No 

William Baldwin No 
Wr. W.Buchanan No 



1S14 



missions. 
JFDecT 
9 do 
9 do 
9 do 

do 

Feb. 

do 

do 

do 

do 

do 

4 do 
1 May 

5 do 



24 June. 1799 

14 July, 

16 Jan. 1800 
27 Nov. 1804 
27 do ' 

27 do 

27 do 
3 March, 18091 
3 do 

28 April, 
18 June, 

15 do 

14 April, 1810 

20 do 

31 May 

28 July, « 

5 March, IS 11 
2 Oct. 

6 July, 1312 
24 July, 1813 



Names and Rank. 



Dates of Com- 
missions. 



jSamuel Horsley 
i Robert C. Randolph 
j Charles B. Hamilton 
I Usher Parsons 
j William Swift 
1815; ' J- M S O. Conway 
j j Richard K Hoffman 
|Richmond Johnson 
Thomas B Salter 



15 April, 
15 da ■ 
15 do 
15 d» 

15 do 
|27 June, 

16 July, 

1 March, 
22 May, 



1814 



surgeons' mates. I 



Ik 



Samuel Ayer No 

E L. Lavrton No 

Charles Cotton No 
Gerard Dayers No 
William Caton No 
Robert A. Barton No 10 
Benj P. Kissam No 11 
John A Kearney No 13 
Richard C. Edgar No 14 
B. Washington No 15 
Wm. M. Clarke No 16 
Tho's Chidester No 17 
Jas Indervvicke No 18 
Geo. T. Kennon No 19 
Walter W. New I 



Oct. 



John Harrison 
Stith Lewis 
I Gustavus R. Brown 
j Manuel Philips 
; William Barnwell 
; William Belt 
j Donaldson Yeates 
John D. Armstrong 
William C Whittlesey 
Peter Christie 
(John Young, Jr. 
(Samuel Jackson 
Andrew B. Cook 
James C Garrison 
E. D. Morrison No 2 
Horatio S. Waring No 3 
John H. Gordon, Acting 
Surgeon No 5 

Samuel M Kissam No 6 
Leonard Osborne No 7 
Tho's Williamson No 9 
John Dix No 10 

Benj. Austin. Jr. No 15 
Thomas Cadle 
Leuco Mitchell 
Silas D. Wickes 
Isaac Baldwin, Jr No 19 
Wilmot F.Rogers No 20 
Thomas Rogerson 
George S. Sproston 
John C Richardson 
John W. Peaco 
Archimedes Smith 
Ale'r M. Montgomery 
Oliver LeChevalier 
William Butler 
Thomas M*Kissoch 
John Wise 
Thomas I H. Cush 
John II Steel 
S B. Whittington 
i Francis Gerrish 
I Edward Woodward 



No 16 
No 17 

No 18 



ins 



16 Jan. 
23 do 

1 March, 
18 July, 
28 do 

23 Sept. 
14 May, 
27 do 

7 July, 

8 do 

9 do 
10 do 

21 Dec. 

22 do 

24 July, 
24 do 

24 do 
24 do 
24 do 
24 do 
24 do 
24 do 
24 do 
24 do 
24 do 
24 do 

24 do 

25 Oct. 
8 Nov. 

17 May, 

23 June, 
5 July, 

16 do 
10 Dec. 
10 do 
10 do 
10 do 
10 do 
10 do 
10 do 
10 do 
10 do 



1815 



1805 
1S09 



1810 
1S11 
1812 



1813 



1814 



31 S 



NAVAL REGISTER. 



Names and Rank. 

Benjamin A. Welles 
Frederick P. Markhain 
William D. Conway 
James N. Turnstale 
Davis G. Tuck 
Robert C. Wardle 
James Norris 
Thomas C. Gardner 
William F. Bradbury 
Benajah Tickner 
William P. Jones 
Thomas G. Peachy 
John Mairs 
John M'Adam 
John S. Mershon 
Charles Chase 
Thomas V. Wiesentbal 
George B. Doane 
Amos King 
Pliny Morton 
Benjamin S Tyler 
Nathaniel Miller 
William Burchmore 
Solomon D. Townsend 
Richard Derby, Jr. 
John R. Martin, acting 

Surgeon 
James R. Boyce, acting 

Surgeon's Mate 
David H. Fraser, acting 

Surgeon's Mate 

PURSERS. 

Isaac Garreston 
ClernentS. Hunt 
Gwinn Harris 
John H. Care 
Nathaniel Lyde 
James R. Wilson 
Samuel Robertson 
Samuel Hambleton 
Robert C. Ludlow 
Robert Pottinger 
John B. Timberlake 
Thomas I. Chew 
Thomas Shields 
Richard C Archer 
Lewis Deblois 
George S. Wise 
Francis A. Thornton 
Edwin T. Satteiwhite 
James M Halsey 
Edward Fitzgerald 
Alexander P. Darragh 



Dates of Com- 
missions. 



10 Dec. 
10 do 
10 do 
10 do 
10 do 
10 do 
10 do 
10 do 
10 do 
10 do 
10 do 
10 do 
10 do 
10 do 
10 do 
10 do 
10 do 
10 do 
10 do 
10 do 
10 do 

6 Jan. 
10 do 

3 May, 

3 do 

9 May, 
10 Jan. 
21 Feb. 



25 April, 
25 do 
25 do 
25 do 
25 do 
25 do 
25 do 
25 do 
25 do 
25 do 
25 do 
25 do 
25 do 
25 do 
25 do 
25 do 
25 do 
25 do 
25 do 
25 do 
25 do 



1814 



IS 



Names and Rank 



15 



1812 



(Edward W. Turner 
iRobertOrmshy 
i Henry Dennison 
I Ludlow Dashwood 
I WilliamS. Rogers 
Henry Fry 
John R. Shaw 
Samuel P. Todd 
Nathaniel W/Rothwell 
George Beall 
James H. Clark 
William P. Zantzinger 
Joseph North 
Joseph Wilson. Jr. 
Herman Thorn 
Thomas Waine 
Lewis Faircbild 
John S. Skinner 
Joseph B. Wilkinson 
Ezekiel Solomon 
Benjamin F. Bourne 
William Sinclair 
Richard T. Timberlake 
Samuel Livermore 
Matthew C. Atvvood 
Gerome K. Spence 
Melancton W. Bostwick 
John N. Todd 
Timothy Winn 
William M. Sands 
Thomas Breese 
Joseph II. Terry, acting 
Purser 

CHAPLAINS. 

Andrew Hunter 
David P Adams 
John Cook 
William H. Briscoe 
< "olden Cooper 
fheever Felch 
A. Y. Humpreys, acting 
Chaplain 



Bates of Com- 
missions. 



25 April, 1812 
25 do ' 

25 do ' 

25 do ' 

26 Feb. 1813 

27 do 

27 do ' 

1 March, < 

2 do 
24 July, 
24 do 
24 do 
24 do 
24 do 
24 do 
24 do 

24 do ' 

26 March, 1814 
26 do 
26 do 
26 do 
26 do 
26 do 
26 do 

26 do ' 

S April, 

16 July, ' 

1 March, 1815 

17 May, 
20 tlo " 

8 July, 



MIDSHIPMEN. 



5 March, 1811 

10 May, 
19 do" 

11 July, 
24 April, 

12 May, 



1812 



isir. 



Adams. James 
Adam, Robert 
Armstrong James 
Alexander, Albert A- 
Abbot, Walter 
Allison, William K. 
Abbot, Joel 
Avery. George 
i \shbridge Joseph II 



I, 



; 1 6 Jan 
IS May, 
,. 15 Nov. 
1 Sept. 
1 Jan. 
1 do 
do 
28 do 
14 Aug 



I 



1S09 



1811 

1S12 



1813 



NAVAL RFGISTER. 



319 



Names and Rank. 



Dates of Com- 
missions. 



Adams, Henry A. 
Andrews, Alexr.M'Kim 
Armistead, Robert 
Allen, William H. 
Alexander, Nathaniel 
Armstrong, William II. 
Abbot, Thomas C. 
Adams, Roderick R. 
Bond, Samuel 
Brown, Thomas S. 
Brown, I. A. D. 
Berry, William 
Breeze, Samuel L Jl.L. 
Boarman, Charles 
Belt, William I. 
Belches, John A. A. L. 
Berry, Charles 
Boerum, William 
Barron, Samuel 
Bryden, John 
Bowyer, Thomas H, 
Bryan, Benjamin 
Beatty, Horatio 
Brashears, Richard 
Ballinger, Franklin 
Baldwin, William 
Bonneville, Thomas N. 
Baker, Yorrick 
Bell, William H. 
Ball, Eliphalet 
Biglow, Abraham 
Boden, William 
Benson, John C. 
Beck, Samuel 
Baldwin, Russell 
Brown, Thomas H. 
Bruce, Henry 
Bnbier, John 
Byrne, Edmund 
Bird, John D. 
Benham, Timothy G. 
Brewster, Benjamin 
Branch, Cyius A. 
Bartholomew, Benjamin 
Barr, James 
Babbidge, John P. 
Boughan, James 
Buchanan, Franklin 
Bainbridge, Arthur 
Boardley, John M. 
Bowman, Joseph 
Cutler, William 
Chaille, William H. 
Caton, Richard, Jr. 



14 March, 1814 

13 April, 

30 July, 

30 Nov. 

30 do « 

30 do ' 

6 Dec. 

2 March, 
20 Jan. 
17 Dec. 
17 do 
17 do 
17 do 

9 June, 

1 Sept. 



do 
do 



1 do 



Jan. 
do 
do 
do 
do 
do 
1 do 
1 do 
1 do 
18 July, 
18 do 
18 do 
18 do 
18 do 
22 Aug. 
12 April, 
17 May, 
9 Nov. 
9 do 
9 do 
1 Feb. 

16 April, 
30 Nov. 
30 do 
30 do 
30 do 
30 do 
30 do 
1 1 Jan. 
28 do 
22 Feb. 

7 March, 

8 July, 
15 Nov 

17 Dec. 

9 June, 



1815 
1806 

1810 



1811 



1S12 



1813 



1814 



1815 



1809 
1810 
1811 



Names and Bank. 



I Cross, Joseph 
Caldwell, Charles II. 
Cook, John A. 
Chauncey, John S. 
Conover, Thomas A. 
Campbell, Archibald 
Cranston, Robert 
( imy, Lodowick 
Cornwall, Joseph S. 
Cuthbert, Lachlan 
Cocke, Harrison 
Childs, Enos 
Curtis, James F. 
Cambreling, John P. 
Carter, Nathaniel, Jr. 
Cooke, John, Jr. 
Connor, James 
Cutts, James M 
Curtis, Thomas B. 
'Cummings, John L. 
I Carpenter, Edward 
I Carpenter, Benjamin 
iChannings, John M. 
j Carter, Hill 
Cutts, Augustus 
iCottineau, Hercules 
|Chew,John (orBenj.) 
I Carson, Robert 
Conyngham, David 
■ Cochran, Joshua W. 
Cannon, Joseph S. 
Campbell, James 
Colter, James 
Cunningham, Robert B, 
Corlis, Charles 
Collier, John 
Cutts, Joseph 
Coxe, James S. 
Childs, Charles B. 
Cochran, Richard 
Cambridge, William E. 
Crowninshield, Jacob 
Clinton, James H. 
Doyle, Thomas 
De Hart, Gosen 
De Lion, Abraham 
Dowse, Edward 
Dayton, T. W. H. 
Downing, Samuel W. 
Dulany, James W. 
De Vaux, Maximilian 
Dunham, Peleg K. 
Davis, Oscar 
Dale, John Montgomery 



Dates of 


Com- 


missions. 


9 June, 


1811 


1 Sept. 
1 Jan. 


E 

1812 


1 do 




1 do 




1 do 




1 do 




1 do 




1 do 




1 do 




18 June, 




18 do 




18 do 




18 do 




18 do 




IS do 




18 do 




18 do 




28 Sept. 
8 Oct. 




10 July, 


1813 


10 do 




9 Nov. 




9 do 




9 do 




9 do 




1 Feb. 


1S14 


1 do 




1 do 




1 do 




26 do 




30 Nov. 




30 do 




30 do 




30 do 




30 do 




6 Dec. 




10 Jan. 


1S15 


28 do 




7 Feb. 




6 March, 




11 do 




24 April, 

4 July, 

15 Nov. 


1805 
1809 


17 Dec. 


1810 


17 do 


C 


1 Sept. 
1 do 


1811 


1 do 


C 


1 do 


K 


1 Jan. 


1812 


1 Feb. 


C 



18 June, 



320 



NAVAL REGISTER. 



Names and Rank, 



Dobbin, James H. 
Dennis. John, Jr. 
Daily, Thomas W. 
Derby, Charles P. 
De Sanssure, Daniel S. 
Davis, Owen 
Downing, Mahlon M. 
Dominick, Kichard 
Duzenberry, Samuel 
Dangorfield, William 
Dana, Charles 
De Wolf, Francis L. 
Dodd, George D. 
Davezac, deCastera G, 
Delany, Hugh 
Dyson, Henry 
Dodge, Edwin I. 
Dornin, Thomas 
Eli, Guy 
Egerton, Richard 
Essex, Edwin 
Evans, John 
Eastburn, Joseph 
Elzy, James 
Eskridge, Alexander 
Ellery, Frank 
Eakin, Samuel A. 
Ellery, Charles 
Emmet Christopher T. 
Engle, Frederick 
Field, Ambrose 
Farragut, David G. 
Forrest, French 
Fitzhugh, Andrew 
Freeman, Edgar 
Field, Robert 
Fischer, John D. 
Freelon, T. W. 
Fenimore, Thomas E. 
Freeman, James M. 
Follet, Benjamin 
Goodwin, John D. 
Gwinn, John A. L. 
Greenwell, Edward 
Gibbon, Frederick S. 
Gaunt, Charles 
Goodwyn, Peterson 
Griffin, Allen 
Gray, Henry 
Greenlaw, James 
Goodrum, James 
Graham, John H. 
Goldsborongh, Lewis M. 
Gilmeyer, Jacob 



Dates of Com- 
missions. 

TsTi 

£ 

1813 



18 June, 
18 do 

9 Nov. 

9 do 

9 do 

1 Feb. 

8 March, 
30 April, 
16 July, 
30 Nov. 
30 do 

30 do 
30 do 
30 do 
30 do 

1 Jan. 
18 do 

2 May, 

16 Jan. 
15 Nov. 
15 do 

17 Dec. 

9 June, 
1 Sept. 
1 Jan. 

1 do 
IS June, 

8 March, 
lOct. 

6 Dec. 
1 Dec. 

17 do 

9 June, 
9 do 

9 do 
1 Sept. 

15 June, 

18 do 
20 Feb. 
24 May, 

6 Dec. 

16 Jan. 
18 May, 

9 June, 

9 do 

1 Sept. 

1 Jan. 

1 do 

1 do 
18 Juno, 
18 do 
18 do 
IS do 

1 Jan. 



1814 



1815 



1809 



1S10 
1S11 

c 

1812 



1S14 



1809 
1810 
1811 

c 

< 

c 
1812 

C 

1813 
1814 

1809 

1811 



1812 



1813! 



Names and Ra7ik. 


Dates of Com- \ 




missions. 


Greeves, Thomas 


9 Nov. 


1813 i 


Goodwin, Daniel 


30 do 


1814. 


Grimke, Benj. Secundus 


30 do 


« 


(Green, Willis M. 


30 do 


£ 


JGerry, Thomas R. 


6 Dec. 


£ 


Gardner, Walter 


6 do 


t 


Gardner, William H. 


6 do 


t 


Gaillard, Daniel S. 


1 Feb. 


1815 


Gedney, Thomas R. 


4 March 


i 


Humphrevs, Julius 


16 Jan. 


1809 


Hill, John, Jr. A. L. 


6 Feb. 


£ 


Hall, Warren 


17 Dec. 


1810 


Heath, Richard 


17 do 


C 


Haslett, Andrew 


17 do 


« 


Harrison, Thomas P. 


9 June, 


1811 


Hedges, F. E. 


9 do 


£ 


Hunter, Richard 


1 Sept. 


C 


Harper, William J. 


1 do 


1812 


Higgins, Jesse 


1 Jan. 


C 


Harrison, Benjamin 


1 do 


c 


Hall, William 


1 do 


£ 


Harper, Joseph E. 


4 June, 


c 


Hunter, Moses 


18 do 


c 


Hunter, David 


IS do 


c 


House, William 


IS do 


6 


Higinbothom, Delozier 


18 do 


6 


Harby, Levi 


IS do 


* 


Hardy, I. C. 


18 do 


i. 


Hamilton, Edward W. 


18 do 


e 


Hodges, James 


9 Nov. 


1813 


Hall, A. S. 


9 do 


C 


Hull, Joseph 


9 do 


' 


Handy, Thomas B. 


28 Jan. 


1814 


Howell, John F. 


1 Feb. 


c 


Hunter, George W. 


1 do 


c 


Hollins, George N. 


1 do 


c 


Hopkins, John L. 


26 do 


£ 


Hart, Ezekiel B. 


30 April, 


6 


Hayes, Thomas 


16 June, 


< 


Heth, John 


25 do 


4- 


Homer, William H. 


30 Nov. 


« 


Horton, Samuel 


30 do 


C 


Hunter, Harry D. 


30 do 


t 


Harvey, William 


30 do 


£ 


Hunt, John 


30 do 


C 


Harris, John L. 


30 do 


C 


Harris, William S. 


30 do 


c 


Hobart, George 


6 Dec. 


t 


Hoffman, Ogden 


31 do 


t 


Howard, William L. 


10 Jan. 


1815 


Hobbs, Hubbard II. 


4 March, 


' 


Jones, Charles 


6 July, 


1S03 


Jasper, William 


1 Jan. 


1808 


Johns, Enoch H. 


16 do 


1809 



NAVAL REGISTER 



321 



.Vames and Rank, \ Dat °?°f° om -\\ Wame, and Rank. \ Dates °f Com 



missions. 



Jamesson, William 
Inman, William 
Jackson, James T. 
Isaacs, G. W. 
Jarvis, Joseph R. 
Jamesson, Skeffington 
Jones, Richard A. 
Ingraham, Duncan N. 
Israel, Israel 
Jarrett, Frederick 
Jones, Walter F. 
Justin, Joshua H. 
Johnson, Edward S. 
Jacobs, Edward 
Keene, Lewis 
Kuhn, Adam S. 
Kelle, John 
Keasbey, John R. 
Knight, James D. 
Keogh, Matthew 
Lacv, Charles 
Linch, Green 
Lewis, John I. H. 
Lecompte, Charles 
Ludlow, James H. 
Luckett, John M. 
Lee, William A. 
Lowe, Enoch 
Leib, Thomas I. 
Latimer, Arthur 
Loveday, John 
Lecompte, Samuel 
Luf borough, Alex. W. 
Lewis, William G. 
Leverett, George H. 
Long, John C. 
Langdon, Henry S. Jr. 
Lee, John H. 
Lansing, Edward A. 
Legare, James E. 
Lovell, H. S. 
Lord, William R. 
Lyman, James R. 
Lassalle, Stephen B. 
Lowndes, Charles 
Livingston, Richard P. 
Myers, William 
Motley, A. 
M'Kinney, Wm. E. 
M'Neir, Thomas 
Morris, James L. 
Mazyck, P. R. 
M'Alister, John 
M'Chesoey, William 



1 Sept. 

1 Jan. 

1 do 

ldo 
18 June, 
18 do 

15 do 
18 do 

9 Nov. 

8 March, 
11 June, 
30 Nov. 
30 do 

30 do 

1 Jan. 

1 Feb. 

1 do 

4 Nov. 
30 do 

6 Dec. 

16 Jan. 

16 do 
15 May, 
18 do 
15 Nov. 

17 Dec. 

9 June, 
1 Sept. 
1 do 

1 Jan. 
ldo 
4 June, 

18 do 
18 do 
18 do 
18 do 

15 do 
18 do 
18 do 
18 do 

9 Nov. 
1 Feb. 

16 July, 
4 Nov. 

18 March, 
29 do 
16 Jan. 
16 do 

9 June, 

9 do 

9 do 

9 do 

1 Sept. 

1 do 

43 



1S11 
1812 



1813 
1814 



1812 

1814 



1S09 



1810 

1811 



1812 



1813 
1S14 



1815 

4 

1809 

C 

1811 

c 
I 
I 

1811 



M'Caw, John 
M'Cawley, George 
Mitchell, Robert 
M'Intosh, James M'K 
Minchin, Charles W. 
M'Cluney, William 
M'Clean, William 
Mackall, Richard 
Mott, William H. 
M'Neil, Archibald 
Morales, Joseph 
Montgomery, John B. 
Mitchell, David 
Mason, James 
M'Clintock, Henry 
Mackey, Daniel H. 
Moorehead, Joseph 
M'Rorie, D. W. 
M'Cauley. Daniel S. 
Moore, Sharp D. 
Mahoney, Michael 
Mattison, Joseph 
M'Kean, Wm. W. 
M'Kenzie, William 
M'Intosh, William A. 
Marchand, Nicholas 
Myers, Joseph 
Mercer, Samuel 
Martin, Robert F. 
Nicholson, James 
Nichols, Robert 
Nicholson, James 
Newcomb, Walter 
Nixon, Z. W. 
Newton, Henry C, 
Nicholson, Wm. C. 
Newman, Wm. D. 
Nones, J. B. 
Nicholson, Wm. B. 
Nelson, Armistead 
Nicholas, John S. 
Olmstead, Edward 
Ogden, Henry 
Oneale, Richard 
Overton, Patrick H. 
Patton, George 
Page, Benjamin 
Perry, James Alex- 
Paulding, Hiram 
Pottinger. William 
Page, KughN. 
Patter, Richard M. 
Pendergrast, Garret 
Peitigrew, Thomas 



missions. 

1 Sep. 1811 
1 do 



1 do 


« 


1 do 


4 


1 Jan. 


1812 


1 do 


< 


1 do 


( 


1 do 


4 


1 do 


4 


1 do 


« 


1 do 


i 


4 June, 


4 


18 do 


i 


18 do 


4 


IS do 


4 


16 April, 
9 do 


181S 

I 


1 Feb. 


1S14 


1 do 


« 


18 July, 
30 Nov. 


4 
4 


30 do ' 


4 


30 do 


4 


30 do 


4 


30 do 


4 


30 do 


4 


6 Dec. 


{ 


4 March 


1815 


2 May, 
1 Dec. 


4 

1809 


1 Sept. 


1811 


1 Jan. 


1812 


1 do 


< 


18 June, 


4 


18 do 


i 


IS do 


4 


1 Feb. 


1814 


1 do 


4 


17 March, 


4 


10 Nov. 


4 


6 June, 


1815 


17 Dec. 


1S10 


1 Sept. 
1 Jan. 


1811 

1812 


30 Nov. 


1814 


15 Nov. 


1809 


17 Dec. 


1810 


9 June, 


1811 


1 Sept. 
1 do 


4 
4 


1 do 


4 


1 Jan. 


1812 


1 do 


C 


1 do 


4 



322 



NAVAL REGISTER. 



Names and Rank. 



Dates of Com- 
missions. 



JSTamea and Rank. 



is of Com- 



missions. 



1812 



1813 



1814 
< 



18 June, 
18 do 
18 do 

5 April, 
20 May, 

9 Nov. 

9 do 

9 do 

1 Feb. 
8 March, 

10 June, 
17 do 

3 Aug. 

4 do 
30 Nov. ' 
30 do ' 
30 do 
6 Dec. ' 

2 March, 1815 

11 March, ' 
20 April, « 

6 June, ' 

4 July, 

4 July, 
16 Jan. 
15 Nov. 



Prentiss, Nathaniel A 
Pratt, Shubal 
Piatt, Charles T. 
Price, Edward 
Phelps, Samuel B. 
Prentiss, John E. 
Paine, John H. S. 
Pattern, Thomas 
Paterson, William 
Pollard, William 
Pelot, John F. 
Pinkham, Alex. B. 
Pinckney, Richard S. 
Porter, David H. 
Picket, Richard 
Postell, Edward 
Palmer, John W. 
Potter, William H. 
Potter, Robert 
Pearson, Frederick 
Pennock, William H. 
Parker, George 
Renshaw, Samuel 
Roney, Jame3 
Roberts, L. Q,. C. 
Rogere, James 

Randolph, R. B. 15 Aug. 

Ritchie, John T. 17 Dec. 

Ramsay, William W. 1 Sept. 
Ray, James W. H. 1 do 

Roberts, James 1 do 

Randolph, William B. 1 Jan 
Ridgeway, Ebenezer 1 do 
Russel, Edmund M. 18 June, 
Russel, Charles C. 18 do 
Randall, Henry 18 do 

Rogers, Samuel 9 Nov. 

Rodgers, William T. 9 do 
Rice, William 9 do 

Ritchie, Robert 1 Feb. 

Rutter, Solomon 26 do 

Ross, Thoma9 17 March, 

Rogers, Clement 16 April, 

Randolph, Victor M. 11 June, 
Rudd, John 30 Nov. 

Roane, William 30 do 

Rutgers, Herman SO do 

Rittenhouse, W. W. 30 do 
Rutledge, Edward 30 do 

Reed, John 30 do 

Rousseau, JohnB. 30 do 
Wand, Isaac H. 25 Jan. 

Randolph, Burw»Il S. 2 Feb. 
Smith, Edward 16 Jan. 



1805 
1807 
1809 



Stewart, James 
Saunders, John 
Stewart, Richard 
Smoot, Joseph 
Suggette, Thomas 
Smith, Charles 
Stevens, Clement 
Springer, Charles L. 
Spiknall, Joseph 
Swartwout, Augustus 
Searcy, Robert 
Snelson, Robert L. 
Steele, William 
Simonds, L. E- 
Sawyer, Horace B. 
Street, Miles 
Stribbling, Cornelius 
Sands, Joshua R. 
Stallings, Otho 
Scott. Beverly R. 
Sweeney, Hugh S. 
Sullivan, John M. 
Shute, John B. 
Skiddy, William 
Spaulding, James 
Swartwout, John 
Stewart, Archibald M 
Stout, Matthew W. 
Stevenson. John 
Stewart, David R. 
' jlSummers. R M. 
18l2i'shields, William 
' Smith William P. 
Shubrick, Irvine 
Stearns, Joshua B. 
Storer, Frederick 
Strong, Peter Y. 
Shaler, Egbert 
Sherburne, Jona. W. 
Street, Miles 
Shaw. Roger C. 
Scott Merit 
Somerville, G. W. 
Stockton, Horatio 
Sanderson, Francis 
Smith, Jesse 
Story. Frederick W.C 
Tippet, Thomas A. 
Ten Eick, Abraham 
Temple, William 
Titus, Ira 
Taylor, James B. 
Tyler, Tobias 
(Thompson, Joseph 



1810 
i 



1813 



1814 



1815 
1809 



1820 



181) 



US 



1814 



1815 



1811 



1812 



NAVAL REGISTER. 



SIS 



Names and Rank. 



Dates of Com- 
missions. 



Names and Rank. 



Taylor, William 

Tatnall, Josiah 

Toscan, Frank 

Tilton, Nehemiah Jov. 

Tardy, Henry 

Thwing, Samuel 

Toscan, Messidor 

Townsend, Jolin S. 

Tuttle, John P. 

Turner, Henry E. 

Toole, John 

Tompkins, John 

Thorniley, Wm. F. 

Tilden, Thomas B. 

Tallmage, Benj. Jr. 

Taylor, Wm.G.B. 

Vanzandt, Ira 

Voorhees, Ralph 

Voshell, James 

Varnum, Frederick 

Vallette, James Kirk 

Washington,Sam'l W. 

Wayne, William C. 

Wish, John 

Wyman, Thomas W. 

Weaver, Wm. A. 

Walker, Daniel R. 

Williams, James 

Williamson, J. D. 

Williamson, Chag. L. 

Wall, Albert G. 

Whitlock, Ephraim 

Wilson, Stephen B. 

Washington, W. S. I. 

Whetmore, Wm. C. 

Whittington, Clement 

Wolbert, Frederick 

Watts, Edward 

Whipple, Pardon M. 

White, Joshua 

Warner, Henry R. 

Ward, Henry 

Wheaton, Seth 

White, James 

Walker, William 

Wood, Oliver W. 

Wilson, Cesar R. 

Wright, Edward 

Watkins, Erasmus 6 June 1815 

Yates, Charles 1 Jan 

Young, John 

SAILING MASTERS. 

Anmdell, Rob«t 20 May 1812 



1 Jan. 
1 do 

15 June 
9 Nov. 
9 do 

14 May 
1 Sept 

18 Nov 
30 do 
30 do 
30 do 
30 do 
30 do 

1 Jan 

4 do 

13 Feb 

16 Jan 
11 Sept 

1 Jan 

18 June 

1 do 

15 Not 

17 Deo 
17 do 

17 do 

14 Feb 
9 June 

Sept 

do 

do 

Jan 

do 

do 

Feb 

18 Juna 
18 do 
18 do 
18 do 
18 do 
18 do 
28 do 

1 Oct 

4 March 
20 Aug 
30 Nov 
30 do 
30 do 
30 do 

6 June 

1 Jan 

1 do 



1815 



1809 
1811 
1812 

C 

1815 
1809 
1S10 



1S11 



1S12 
■ 



1812 
1814 



Almy, Thomas C 
Adams, James H. 
Adams, Samuel W. 
Arnold, John 
Brooke, Samuel 
Barry, Edward 
Brown, Eli 
Bloodgood, Abraham 
Bennet, Cornelius 
Briggs, Samuel R. 
Biker, Nicholas 
Brum, Philip 
Bassett, James 
Bowie, Henry 
Carr, James E. 
Catalano, Salvadore 
Chambers, Thomas 
Carter, John K. 
Coit, William 
Cox, Richard J. 
Cooper, Jas. B. A. L 
Caldwell, W. M. A.L 
Clough, John 
Chamberlain, S. P. 
Collins, William 
Cansler, William 
Croft, George 
Dudley, Linton 
Dealy, Richard 
Doxey, Biscoe 
Davis, George 
Dove, Marmaduko 
Dobbins, Daniel 
Dill, J. H. 
Dodge. Billy 
De la Roche, Geo. F. 
Dorgan, Andrew 
Downes, Shubal 
Drew, John 
Dunston, William 
Ellison, Francis H. 
Ferris, Jonathan D. 
Ford, Augustus 
Fisk, Squire 
Fleetwood, William 
Ferguson, James 
Gerry, Samuel R. 
Green, William 
Godfrey. Thomas 
Herbert, Joshua 
Halburd, John 
Hutton, John S. 
Hamersley, Thomas 
Henry, Hwiry A, L. 



Dates of Com- 
missions. 

26 June 1812 

10 July * 

3 do 1818 

3 do ' 

17 Oct 130* 

28 Feb 

25 April 181* 

25 June « 
9 Dec 

3 July 18 It 

3 do 

15 Feb ISIS 

18 April 1814 
Act'g. S. master 

4 Aug 1807 
9 do 1809 

24 Feb 1812 
9 May ' 

26 do ' 

23 Jun& 

9 July « 

21 March ISIS 

3 July « 

8 Jaa 1814. 
3 Feb 

29 March « 
17 Aug * 

25 Jan 1809 
14 Feb 1811 

24 June 1812 
20 July 

29 Aug 

16 Sept 

10 April 181S 
3 July 

3 Aug • 

11 Sept 

12 do ' 

6 Dec 1814 
3 April 1815 

3 July 1818 
28 Feb 1809 
28 March 1810 

7 May 1812 
7 do 

27 do 1814 

17 Jan 1809 

26 June 1812 

18 April 1815 

4 Aug 1807 
11 Feb 1809 
24 do « 
14 Jan 1812 

1 July 



£34 



NAVAL REGISTER. 



JVames and Rank. 



Dates of Com- 
missions. 



Hallowell, George 
Hixon, Samuel C. 
Hill, Henry D. 
Haller, Isaac 
Hawksworth, G. T. 
Heartie, Isaac T. 
Jones, Edward 
Jennings, Nathaniel 
Jones, Daniel 
Jenkins, John D. 
Johnston, Robert 
Johnson, William 
Kingston, Simon 
Knox, Robert 
Kemper, Sylvester 
Kitts, John - 
Levy, Uriah 
Loomis, Jairus 
Luckett, Alexander 
Lowe, Vincent 
Lindsey, Joseph 
Lee, William 
Mooney, John 
Mull, Jacob 
Mork, James A. L. 
M'Carty, William D. 
Moliere, Henry 
Moliere, Lucas 
M'Connell, William 
Mix, Elijah 
Mullaby, Francis 
Mulford, Richard 
Malbone, William F. 
M'Lachlin, Philip 
Meyers, Stuben 
Miller, William 
M'Night, William 
Maynadier, Daniel 
Nantz, John 
Nicholson, William 
Northrop. Job 
Nichols, Thomas 
Owings, JohnC. 
Osgood, Joseph 



5 Dec 1812 
30 April 1814 

16 Juno ' 

7 July 
Actg S 

do 
26 Jan 
30 March 

8 May 
26 do 

10 do 

6 June 

29 June 

20 July 

30 Oct 
15 Mav 

21 Oct 

11 Nov 
15 Dec 
20 March 

17 do 
30 April 
23 Jan 

13 Feb 

14 July 

18 do 
1 Aug 

1 do 

2 Nov 

12 Juno 

3 July 

3 do 

4 April 
28 July 
18 Nov 
28 Jan 
Act'g. S 

do 

7 July 
14 Aug 

22 Jan 



JVames and Rank \ Dates °f Com ~ 



missions. 



master, 
do 
1809 
1812 



1813 
1815 
1812 

4 

C 

1813 
1812 



1813 
1814 
1815 
18091 

C 

1812 



181! 



1814 



1815 



Phillips, David 

Prentiss, Jabez 

Page, Lewis B. 

Potts, James B. 
|Payne. Thomas 
iPolk, William W. 

Rogers, James 
iRobins, William M. 

Romey, Edward 

Rinker, Samuel 

Sountag, George S. 

Stevens, Joseph 
:Smith, Horace 

Smith, William P. 
IStory, Thomas W. 
ISheed, William W. 
|Stoodley, Nathaniel 

Stellwagen, D. S. 

Shoemaker, David, Jr 

Spilman, James 

'Irani, James 



mastei 



do I 

1812J 

18131 

1815] 

Act'g. S. master 

15 Sept 18061 

3 July 1813| 



|Tay lor, James 
Taylor, Joseph 
Topham, Philip M. 
Tew, Henry 
Tatem, Robert S. 
Terry, James 
Ulrich, George 
Van Voorhis,Rob'tB. 
Vaughan, William 
Verney, Henry 
Williamson, James L. 
Watts, Thomas 
Wilkinson, Henry 
Wilson, George M. 
Waldo, Charles F. 
Warner, John 
Wright, James B. 
White, John 
Williston, Joseph 
Warren, Nahum 
Worthington, Henry 
Young, Edward L. 



1 Jan 

4 Feb 

9 March 
24 July 
10 Oct 

18 July 
6 April 

18 Nov 

3 Sept 

4 Aug 
3 May 

J17 July 

26 Dec 

27 April 

5 May 
J 4 Aug 
14 May 

19 Oct 

3 Feb 
10 April 
16 May 

'14 July 

27 do 
128 March 
!2l July 
J20 April 

I 4 Dec 

28 Feb 
22 Aug 

5 Dec 

4 Aug 
9 Feb 

1 Jan 

1 24 July 
1 10 March 
i 1 5 Sept 
19 Nov 

2 Dec 
26 Nov 

6 Feb 
2 May 
9 May 



1801 
1809 

t 

1812 

I 

1814 
1810 
1812 

i 

1813 
1807 
1812 



1813 



1814 

1815 
1799 
1812 

1813 

1814 

i 

1815 
1809 

1812 
< 

1807 

1809 

1812 
i 

1813 
i 



1814 

1815 

1S12 



NAVAL REGISTER. 



326 



MARINE ( 0RP3. 



_ . j D i I -Dares of Com- 

Worries and Rank. | mi J ons _ 



Names and llitnh. 



LT. COL,. COMMAND- 
ANT. 

Franklin Wharton 

MAJORS. 

Daniel Carmicb 
John Hall 

CAPTAINS. 

Anthony Gale 

Robert Greedeaf 
Archibald Handerson 

Richard Smith 

Robert Wainwrighi 
Wm. Anderson No 1 
Tho's R. Swift No 2 

Samuel Miller No 3 



7 March 1804 



7 March 

8 June 



1809 
1814 



John Crabb No 4 

Henry H. Ford No 5 
John M. Gamble No 6 
Charles S. Hanna No 7 

Alexander Sevier No 8 

Alfred Grayson No 9 

William Strong No 10 
James Heath No 1 1 
Samuel Bacon No 12 
H.B.Breckenridge Nol 
William Hall No 2 
F.W.Sterne No 3 

1st lieutenants. 

F.B.D. Bellevite No 1 
J. R. Montegul No 2 



C 24 Apr 1804 
I Brev. Major 
19 Jan 1811 
1 April ' 
C 13 Mar. 1812 
\ Brev. Major 
29 Sept 

18 June 1S14 
IS do 
C 18 do 
( Brev. Major 
« 18 do 
I and Payrn'r 
18 do ' 

18 do ' 

18 do ' 

( 18 do 
( Brev. Major 
(18 do 

( & Q.r. Masfer 
18 do ' 

18do 

IS do ' 

10 Deo 
10 do « 

10 do 



18 June 
18 do 



1815 



PB.D. GrandpreNo3 
Lyman Kellogg No 5 
Sam'l E.Watson No 6 
W. L Brownlovv No 7 
Leon'd J. Boone No 8 
Tho's W. LeggeNo 9 
W. H Freeman No 10 
Jos L. Kuhne No 1 1 
Henry Olcott No 12 
C; M Broome No 13 
B. Richardson No 15 
F. B White No 16 
William Nicoll No 17 
Wm. L. Boyd No IS 
I Charles Lord No 19 
j Levi Twiggs No 20 
I Edmund Brooke No 2 I 
[John Harris No 22 
{Samuel B. Johnson 

2nd- lieutenants. 

I Henry Stephens Nol 

jThosA. Linton No 2 

JRichd Auchmuty No 3 

Joseph Bosque No 4 

James Edelen No 5 

Christopher Ford No 6 

James J. Mills No 7 

Francis A Bond No 8 

Park G. Howie No 9 

Geo B. English No 10 

II. W. Kennedy No 11 

R. D. Green No 12 

iS. Duvall No 13 

Chas Snowden No 14 

J. G SingeltaryNo 15 

jlVm.F. Swift No 16 

|Gillies Thompson 

Edward S. Nowell 



Dates of Com- 
missions. 

13 June"" 18T(> 

18 do 

18 do 

IS do 

18 do 

18 do 

18 do 

18 do 

15 do 
18 do 
18 do 
18 do 
18 do 
18 do 
18 do 
1 8 do 
18 do 
18 do 

16 July 



28 Feb 18 


2S do * 


28 do * 


28 do 


1 March ' 


do 


do 


do 


do 


do 


do 


do 


do 


do 


do 


do 


!2 April 


9 May 



LIST OF THE AMERICAN NAVY. 



a 
U 



Names of Vessels. Commanders. 



I 



§ I Names o. Vessels. 



Commanders. 



74 (Independence 

I 
74 1 Washington 

74lFranklin 



Com. Bain- ^ 
jbridge, Capt. > 
I Crane y 

jCapl.Chauncey 

(Lieut. Morgan 
[first officer since 
| the death of 
I Capt Smith 



74!New-Orleans 

74lChippewa 

44JGuerriere, flagship Com. ' 



44|United State* 
44 1 Constitution 
44|Java 
44'Plattsburgfe 



Deca- ' 
tur, Cap. Lewis 
J. Shaw 

O. H P«ny 



326 



NAVAL REGISTER. 



a 

a 
O 



Names of Vessels. 



44iSuperior 

36l Constellation 

36 Congress 

36 Macedonian, late B. 

82 Mohawk 

32 Confiance, late B. 

28 Cyane, do 

24 Saratoga 

24 John Adams 

24 General Pike 

20 Madison 

20 Alert, late British 

18 Hornet* 

IS Wasp* 

J 8 Peacock 

18 Ontario 

18 Erie 

15 Louisiana 
18 Niagara 

18 Detroit, late British 

18 Lawrence 

18 Eagle 

18 Jefferson 

18 Jones 

18 Epervier,* late B. 

16 Chippewa 
16 Saranac 
16 Boxer 

16 Linnet, late British 
16 Troup 
16 Sylph 

16 Qu. Charlotte, I. B, 
14 Enterprize 

14 Oneida 
12 Flambeau 
12 Firefly 
12 Spark 
1 1 Spitfire 
10 Torch 
14 Nonsuch 

17 Ticonderoga 

10 Lady Prevost, /. B. 
9 Prometheus 
9 Tom Bowline 



Commanders. 



C. Gordon 
C. Morris 
J. Jones 



E. Trenchard 



W. Stewart 
J. Riddle 
J. Blakeley 
L. Warrington 
J. D. Elliott 
C. Ridgeley 



J. T. Shubnck 
G. C. Read 
J. Elton 
J. Porter 



L. Kearney 

J. B. Nicholson 
G. W. Rogers 
F. Gamble 
A. J. Dallas 
W. Chauncey 
Trant 



A. S. Wadsworth 
Hoffman 



09 

e 

3 


Names of Vessels. 


Com'a'd'rs 


O 






9~ 


Alligator 




7 


Roanoke 




10 


Hunter, late Brit. 




7 


Firebrand 




7 


Surprise 




5 


Hornet 




5 


Ghent 




3 


Caledonia, late B. 




5 


Lynx 




3 


Despatch 




3 


Asp 




3 


Porcupine 




2 


Gov. Tompkins 




8 


Conquest 




1 


Ranger 




3 


Lady of the Lake 




1 


Ontario 


• 


— 


Raven 




— 


Asp 




3 


Pert 


i 


4 


Fair America 




1 


Amelia 




11 


Finch, late British 




11 


Chubb, do 




7 


Preble 




6 


Montgomery 




5 


Camel 




5 


Buffalo 







Tickler 




12 


President 




2 


Galley Centipede 




2 


Nettle 




2 


Viper 




2 


Borer 




2 


Allen 




2 


Burrows 




1 


Alwyn 




1 


Ballard 




1 


Ludlow 




1 


Wilmer 
Ketch Spitfire 
Vesuvius 

Vengeance 





• Lost at Ka. 



TabU of the pay and euUistenee allowed to offieere w the Aaty of the 

United States. 



RANK OB STATION. 

Capt. of a vessel of 32 or more 

guns 
Capt. of a vessel of 20 and 

under 32 
Master commandant 
Lieutenant do 
Lieutenant 
Chaplain 
Surgeon 
Surgeon's mat* 
Master 
Purser 
Boatswain 



pay 


Ra. 


per 


per 


mo. 


day 


100 


8 


75 


6 


60 


5 


50 


4 


40 


3 


40 


2 


50 


2 


30 


2 


40 


2 


40 


2 


20 


2 



Gunner 

Sail-maker 

Carpenter 

Midshipman 

Master's mate 

Captain's Clerk 

Boatswain's mate 

Cockswain 

Yeoman of gun-room 

Quarter Gunner 

Carpenter's mate 

Armourer 

Steward 

Cooper 

Master at Arm9 

Cook 



20 


2 


20 


2 


20 




19 




20 




25 




19 




18 




18 




18 




19 




18 




18 




18 




18 




1 18 





Note. Whenever any officer shall be employed in the command of a squad- 
ron on separate service, the allowance of rations shall be double during the con- 
tinuance of such command, and no longer, except in case of the commanding 
officer of the navy, whose allowance, while in service, shall always be at the 
j-ate of sixteen rations per day, agreeably to an act of Congress, passed the t 25th 
of February, !799 ; and agreeably to an act passed the 3d of March, 1801, such 
officers as shall not be under orders for actual service, shall only be entitled to 
one half of their monthly pay during such time ; and without rations. 

N. B. Applications for appointments must be made to the Secretary of Uie 
Navy, accompanied with recommendatory letters. 






li JL* 



Adams, cruise of 

escape of 

loss of 

Allen, funeral of 

Alligator 239 

Asp, loss of 

Argus and Pelican 

escape of 

Algiers, war with 

Burrows, funeral of 

Blythe, do 

Bainbridge, private letter of 

Barney, 

Barrataira, pirates of 

Champlain, Lake, victory on 

Carolina, loss of 
Challenge to Decatur 

to Capt Greene 

to Capt Lawrence 

Chesapeake and Shannon 
Constitution and Guerriere 

and Java 

and Cyane and Levant 

. escape of 

cruise of 

Craney Island 
Eagle 

capture of 

Enterprize and Boxer 
Erie, Lake 

battle of 

Essex and Alert 

. loss of 

Ferret, loss of 
Flotilla, Delaware Bay 

Lake Borgne 

Corn. Barney 

Fort George, capture of 
Frolic, loss of 
Gun-boats, attack oa 
Gardiner's Island 
Huron, Lake 



244 
245 
249 

71 
246 
223 

67 
219 
296 

81 

81 
221 
248 
253 
147 
262 
256 
238 

36 

65 

42 
7 

26 
177 
1 
243 
229 
230 
231 

76 
260 

84 
213 

97 
240 
234 
254 
247 
268 
244 
226 
233 
258 



Hamilton and Scourg* 270 

■ and Confiance 278 

Hall, death of 242 

Hornet and Bonne Citoyenne 35 

and Peacock 37 

and Penguin 189 

escape of 194 

Lawrence, funeral of 47 

Lewis, commodore 246 

Lottery, schooner 222 

Mobile, 252 
Nautilus, loss of 7, 211 

Navy in 1812 314 

in 1S15 825 

pay of 327 

Naval Register 318 

Non Such, schooner 246 

Ontario, Lake 263 

Oswego, attack on 274 

Peaeock and Epervier 129 

cruise of 258 

President and Belvidera 203 

loss of 160 

Pitipague, attack on, repulse at 243 

Rattlesnake and Enterprize 242 

loss of 247 

Rodgers' cruise 235, 241 

Sacket's Harbor, attack on 26S 
Sandy Creek, capture of gun-boats 269 

Swallow, capture of 217 

Surveyor, revenue cutter 225 

Syren, loss of 251 

Testimonies of respect 280 

Torpedo 233 

United States and Macedonian 21 

Viper, loss of 229 

Vixen, do 217 

Washington city 247 
Wasp and Frolic 14, 215 

and Reindeer 235 

and Avon 142 

York, capture of 265 



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